The future of the Tinley Manor public launch site hangs in the balance as council considers permanently closing the facility and establishing new launch sites at Nonoti and Zimbali beaches.

KwaDukuza councillors must decide whether to retain the Tinley Manor site while supporting the renewal of licences for the existing launch sites at Zinkwazi, Blythedale and Salt Rock.

The site’s future has come under scrutiny following ongoing disagreements between Club Med and the Umhlali Ski Boat Club over access.

The municipality, which manages public launch sites on behalf of the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), consulted stakeholders in an effort to resolve the dispute.

The report notes that Club Med has brought significant tourism and employment benefits to the area, while the Umhlali Ski Boat Club has operated from Tinley Manor for many years, supporting recreational fishing and local jobs.

During construction of the resort, the launch site was temporarily closed, forcing ski boat users to share an alternative launch site with the KZN Sharks Board, the National Sea Rescue Institute, the municipality and the public.

Since the resort reopened, Club Med has argued that vehicles towing boats and trailers through the property create congestion and pose safety risks for guests, proposing that the launch site be permanently relocated.

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The Umhlali Ski Boat Club has instead proposed leasing adjacent land to create a separate entrance and parking area and says it is willing to provide technical and financial support for the project. Concerns remain, however, over trailer parking, vehicle movement and guest safety.

The matter was discussed by EDTEA, KwaDukuza Municipality, Club Med, iLembe Environmental, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and other stakeholders.

According to the report, EDTEA said the decision to retain or close the Tinley Manor launch site rests with the municipality. The department also noted that stakeholders had failed to reach an agreement and suggested either investigating an alternative access route outside the Club Med property or relocating the launch site.

EDTEA is expected to begin renewing public launch site licences across the province for a further five years. Should council approve the closure, KwaDukuza will likely apply to revoke Tinley Manor’s licence and establish new public launch sites at Nonoti and Zimbali.