Dangerously low water levels - ORC approves KJet river work

The regional council has confirmed jet boat operator KJet has a 10 year consent that allows them to clear a passageway for their boats on the Kawarau River.

On Thursday the company floated a digger on a barge on the river at Frankton to remove rocks from the river.

Otago Regional Council consents manager Alexandra King says KJet has an existing consent for the works, which were in response to water conditions.

Jet boats tow a barge with a digger on it into place on the Kawarau River, Thursday, August 8, 2024.

"Due to the very low level of Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River the navigable channels were getting too narrow for powered water craft to traverse for both commercial and private users," she says.

"Works were then undertaken under the consent by the consent holder."

Ms King says compliance staff at the council have been in discussions with KJet, who this morning confirmed the job was completed successfully after one day on the water.

The consent, which was issued in July 2016 and does not expire until July 2026, gives KJet permission to "disturb the beds of the Kawarau River and Shotover River for the purpose of maritime safety".

KJet is required to let the council know it will be undertaking work at least five working days prior to starting, unless the work needs to be done "urgently in order to maintain a safe environment on the rivers".

The council was notified on Monday of KJet's planned work for Thursday.

Queenstown harbourmaster Ricky Campbell was advised at the same time.

Yesterday he told Crux water levels are some of the lowest he has seen and it is exposing fresh hazards for boaties.

He said KJet wanted to open up the channel up and downstream of the old State Highway 6 road bridge "to make it safer through that area".

"There's not a lot of flow going through there at the moment."

He was not aware of the jet boat company having activated its consent in recent years.

KJet and parent company Trojan Holdings have been approached for comment.

Read more: Digger clearing Kawarau channel after KJet boats bottom out