Fast-track complete: Picton ferry terminal upgrade gets environmental sign-off
Thursday, 6 May 2021
A multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Picton’s ferry terminal has been approved under the fast-track consenting process.
Environment Minister David Parker on Thursday welcomed the decision by the expert consenting panel to approve the Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment Project.
The project will provide a significant upgrade to the ferry facilities in Picton to accommodate larger, more eco-friendly ferries.
The work involves the construction of new terminal infrastructure, roads, seawalls, culverts, and an overbridge.
**READ MORE:
* KiwiRail signs first kawenata (agreement) with iwi ahead of Picton terminal work
* Public divided on where to direct ferry traffic in Picton precinct upgrade
* A quiet Queenstown: Picton wants 'best of both worlds' as future up for discussion
**
Application documents show more than 200 jobs would be created during the project’s construction period.
“The new ferries will be more fuel efficient, kinder on the environment and support New Zealand’s transition to the low-emissions economy,” Parker said.
“By upgrading infrastructure Kiwirail are preparing New Zealand’s essential travel network for future growth, which is a win-win for the economy and the tourism sector.”
The current fleet of Interislander ferries were nearing the end of their life and would be replaced by two larger rail-enabled ferries by the mid-2020s. The new ferries would be able to take up to 45 per cent more passengers and freight.
The redevelopment would also accommodate the berthing of other ships.
“The project will support New Zealand to meet our climate change targets, create much-needed employment opportunities and boost the economy in Picton.”
Queen Charlotte Sound Residents Association chairman and Guardians of the Sounds member Tim Healey was eager to read the consent's conditions.
'We understand this project is going to go ahead. We're not against it, we just want to make sure that the public's rights are protected before it goes down.'
Marlborough Sounds ward Councillor Barbara Faulls said she would be keeping a watching brief on the project, as it was of great interest to the Picton community.
'I'm interested to see what the impact will be for the local people of Picton, while recognising the project will be bringing jobs into the region and hopefully a more secure north-south access passage,' Faulls said.
“It's going to be a great thing for the community … But I'm aware there are concerns in the community … so we will be keeping an eye on things like roading and access.'
KiwiRail’s David Gordon said securing the consents was a significant milestone for the project.
The decision allowed KiwiRail to move ahead with detailed design work alongside its port partners, iwi and the community, Gordon said.
“KiwiRail signed a letter of intent with preferred shipyard Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in December 2020. Detailed negotiations with the shipyard are progressing well and we are expecting to sign a contract in mid-2021.”
Parker added he was pleased the Fast-Track Consenting Act, pushed through Parliament mid-last year, could speed up the delivery of the ferry terminal upgrade.
The Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 was one of the Government’s levers to boost jobs, speed up infrastructure development and improve environmental outcomes in response to the economic impacts of Covid-19.
The approval was granted by an expert consenting panel chaired by Judge Laurie Newhook.
The decisions took 80 working days from the time the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). This is significantly faster than the time it takes for a similar consent under the Resource Management Act 1991 consenting process.
More information about the decision is on the EPA website. Information about other applications for fast-tracking through the Order in Council process is on the Ministry for the Environment website.