Port Future Study recommends pathway to move port   1 Jul 2016

Port Future Study recommends pathway to move port be established

The independent Port Future Study’s Consensus Working Group has today released its final recommendations on a strategy to accommodate Auckland's long-term freight and cruise.

After a twelve-month study, the 16 member Consensus Working Group (CWG) recommends that a port relocation option for freight be established and if that option is exercised then cruise should stay in the city centre.

The Study recommends investigation of two areas that have potential for a large-scale port - the Manukau Harbour and on the western coast of the Firth of Thames. Further detailed investigation would be required before a specific area is decided.

This includes long-term engineering requirements, navigability, impact on land-side transport strategy, funding and ownership models, and proper consideration of Treaty of Waitangi settlement processes and mana whenua aspirations.

The group also recommends the regular monitoring of relocation triggers that would commit Auckland to executing a move of the port based on future growth and capacity demands or social, environmental, cultural and economic factors.

Chair of the independent Study, Dr Rick Boven says the diverse membership of the CWG and wider Reference Group brought different perspectives to the table but together a consensus view was reached.

“It’s been a complex exercise but we believe we have agreed on the best strategy to balance long-term economic, cultural, social and environmental outcomes.

“The Study has found that the existing port is likely to reach capacity in the long-term if freight and cruise demands continue on current projections and that other North Island ports are unlikely to be able to cope with all of Auckland’s long-term trade task alongside their own growth.

“Due to the planning and construction lead times involved, decisions regarding large impacts and high costs must be made soon in the face of significant uncertainties about the future”.

“The Port Future Study recognises that there is a need to secure sufficient berth length in the short-to-medium term to cope with the increase in multi-cargo volumes and ongoing growth in the size and the frequency of cruise ship visits.

“Subject to ensuring sufficient berth lengths and the confirmation of a location option, the port should not expand beyond its current footprint”, says Dr Boven.

The Port Future Study recommendations will be received by the council's Auckland Development Committee on 6 July.

Ends

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