Man out to sink model boats

A hearing on Masterton District Council's Henley Lake Park Management Plan was held this week after the council invited comments.

The plan must be reviewed every five years under the Reserves Act 1977, but is also necessary because there has been a major increase in users and activities at the lake since the plan was last updated.

A hearing was held in the Frank Cody Lounge on Tuesday, and PJ Devonshire (Ngati Kahunungu ki Wairarapa) and Robin Carlyon elaborated on their submissions.

Some of the issues raised in written submissions included concerns on the effects of recreational activities held at the lake, and water quality and levels.

Mr Carlyon of Masterton had a number of concerns with the management of the lake, including people using model boats.

He said the plan forbids the use of motorised craft on the water and model boats should be included in this. "Model boats are terribly noisy and even to my deaf ears can be heard all over the complex and beyond."

In contrast, Wayne Mowbray's submission was to maintain the status quo on behalf of the Model Power Boat Club, who use the north end of the lake on a regular basis. "This has been our designated area for a number of years now, and with council's support has been upgraded with a jetty, driver's stand and pathways, to bring the facility up to the standard where we can now enjoy an excellent club facility and also be able to host national events.

"We have enjoyed the use of Henley Lake over the years and we look forward to continuing this arrangement."

Hearings committee chairman Jonathan Hooker said the committee has talked through the 12 submissions and submitters will be responded to in due course.

The final management plan will eventually be signed off by the council.