Ferry tale over for KiwiRail.
"Picton lives happily ever after."
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 09:05 17/06/2014
KiwiRail is giving up on its dream of having a inter-island ferry terminal at Clifford Bay and has put the land it owns there
on the market.
"Picton lives happily ever after."
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 09:05 17/06/2014
KiwiRail is giving up on its dream of having a inter-island ferry terminal at Clifford Bay and has put the land it owns there
on the market.
MARLBOROUGH MAYOR: Alistair Sowman ''Picton remains the front door to the South Island.''
01:01 "The people of Picton will be popping the corks this morning. That uncertainty hanging over their heads for years now, what a relief they can move ahead" says Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman.
Clifford Bay ferry terminal axed
By Simon Wong Online Reporter
Thursday 14 Nov 2013 10:48a.m.
For 3 NEWS full story click image below:
By Simon Wong Online Reporter
Thursday 14 Nov 2013 10:48a.m.
For 3 NEWS full story click image below:
Clifford Bay ferry terminal project terminated
Published: 11:39AM Thursday November 14, 2013 Source: BusinessDesk/ ONE News
Published: 11:39AM Thursday November 14, 2013 Source: BusinessDesk/ ONE News
Cook Strait ferry terminal stays in Picton
VERNON SMALL AND CATHIE BELL
Marlborough Express
Last updated 12:13 14/11/2013
For full story click image below:
VERNON SMALL AND CATHIE BELL
Marlborough Express
Last updated 12:13 14/11/2013
For full story click image below:
Planned oil exploration outrages Kaikoura residents.
Published: 6:25PM Sunday August 18, 2013 Source: ONE News
For ONE News full story click image below:
A PROPOSAL: to explore the coastline of Kaikoura for oil and gas reserves has sparked outrage
within the local community.
Whale Watch Kaikoura chief operating officer Kauahi Ngapora said the planned exploration was in the middle of a pathway for whales.
"Obviously that does cause us concern for those whales who could, in some way, be impacted on in terms of their ventures down here," Mr Ngapora said.
Anadarko already has licences to drill exploration wells off Taranaki and in the Canterbury Basin, waters that humpback whales pass through each year on their way north to breed.
Sir Mark Solomon, the chairman of local iwi Ngai Tahu, said the risk of an environmental catastrophe in Kaikoura was too great.
"We do not believe our Government has in place the environmental mechanisms that could deal with a spill."
within the local community.
Whale Watch Kaikoura chief operating officer Kauahi Ngapora said the planned exploration was in the middle of a pathway for whales.
"Obviously that does cause us concern for those whales who could, in some way, be impacted on in terms of their ventures down here," Mr Ngapora said.
Anadarko already has licences to drill exploration wells off Taranaki and in the Canterbury Basin, waters that humpback whales pass through each year on their way north to breed.
Sir Mark Solomon, the chairman of local iwi Ngai Tahu, said the risk of an environmental catastrophe in Kaikoura was too great.
"We do not believe our Government has in place the environmental mechanisms that could deal with a spill."
Shifting port
Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman is worried
by what he has heard at meetings in the region
on the Government's proposal to shift the
interisland ferries from Picton to Clifford Bay.
Mayor asks Minister for Impact Report
http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Your-Council/News-Notices/Media-Releases/Clifford-Bay-Impact-Report.aspx
18 February 2013
Mayor asks Minister to commission an independent social and economic impact report
MARLBOROUGH MAYOR: Alistair Sowman has requested that central government commission an independent social and economic impact report to understand the effect that moving the ferry terminal to Clifford Bay would have on the businesses and community of Marlborough.
Mr Sowman has written to the Minister of Transport Gerry Brownlee, seeking an assurance that this analysis would be completed and included at an early stage of the Government’s decision-making process on the Clifford Bay proposal.
Marlborough’s ratepayers should not be carrying the cost of the planning and research for a national project, nor should they be expected to fund a study into the impacts they will face as a consequence of this project, said Mr Sowman.
“If this goes ahead, there is a very big risk that Marlborough – even the whole top of the south – will become a regional cul de sac.”
Mr Sowman says New Zealand has already had bitter experience of the effects of political decision-making based solely on financial outcomes while ignoring social consequences and he did not want to see that happen to Marlborough.
“The pain wrought by Rogernomics caused permanent damage to some communities because the effect of families and society was ignored. If the government determines it will go ahead on this, I’m sure they will also recognise that it will cause hurt within our region.”
The Mayor says feedback suggests Picton stands to lose about two hundred port, rail and ferry related jobs and that figure could double when all the related and associated employment in the retail, hospitality and accommodation sector is taken into account.
“Some of this will be displacement – with jobs moving to Clifford Bay – but many of Picton’s tourism and retail jobs will be wiped out.”
The drop in population, coupled with unemployment and businesses losses, would have a direct effect on Picton’s schools and social services, he said.
“I’ve now sat through seven hours of public discussion on this issue; listening to the various viewpoints from different parts of the region and the many questions that have been raised. While this project would offer significant advantages to the Seddon-Ward area, my fear is that it will, overall, disadvantage this region as a whole.”
“But we’re all working with uncertainty because there is no accurate data - and that uncertainty creates a cost in itself. It is debilitating for ferry-dependent businesses but it is also difficult for those who don’t know how much they will be hurt if the shift goes ahead.”
It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure a full social and economic impact report is incorporated into the decision-making process well before final decisions are made and the consent process begins, he said.
Mr Sowman says there is no doubt that the project would bring some benefits; construction investment and jobs on the Awatere side, and the positive aspects of reducing some of the heavy freight traffic through Blenheim. But any new port-related jobs would be more than matched by losses elsewhere, particularly in the tourism industry.
“Construction project work comes to an end – our tourism industry is a permanent part of our local economy.”
The Mayor also says it’s imperative that a cogent analysis of the risks to Marlborough ratepayers forms part of the decision-making.
“We need to see the detail and scope of the work that has already been done - and to be assured that all impacts are taken into account before any final decision.”
Mr Sowman says a thorough economic assessment report would take time and resources with the cost likely to run well beyond a hundred thousand dollars.
“That’s going to be another cost in this proposal but I am sure the government, if it wants to proceed, will acknowledge its responsibility to look at all aspects of this project thoroughly.”
“I also want to know if our ratepayers are at any risk of carrying capital or on-going costs indirectly associated with the project. Given the lack of information, we cannot accurately assess where costs may fall.”
Mr Sowman said establishing Clifford Bay would raise a need for new community facilities and services in the Awatere and the scale and quality of water and sewerage infrastructure would need to be addressed.
He said some ferry-related businesses would have to shift their operations and there would be cost involved in that.
The loss of a chunk of Port Marlborough’s dividend would be a blow to ratepayers, diminishing an important revenue source for the region.
“Most importantly, we need to understand what this would do to the viability of Picton; whether it would be able to sustain its present services. What, for example, would happen to the school rolls and associated funding?”
“If the government does decide it’s in the national interest to go ahead with the move to Clifford Bay, we cannot afford to have central government pushing costs onto our ratepayers, either for the project itself or for the planning in the run up to it. That would be grossly unfair to the ratepayers of this, the second smallest region in the country.”
ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR
http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Your-Council/News-Notices/Media-Releases/Clifford-Bay-Impact-Report.aspx
18 February 2013
Mayor asks Minister to commission an independent social and economic impact report
MARLBOROUGH MAYOR: Alistair Sowman has requested that central government commission an independent social and economic impact report to understand the effect that moving the ferry terminal to Clifford Bay would have on the businesses and community of Marlborough.
Mr Sowman has written to the Minister of Transport Gerry Brownlee, seeking an assurance that this analysis would be completed and included at an early stage of the Government’s decision-making process on the Clifford Bay proposal.
Marlborough’s ratepayers should not be carrying the cost of the planning and research for a national project, nor should they be expected to fund a study into the impacts they will face as a consequence of this project, said Mr Sowman.
“If this goes ahead, there is a very big risk that Marlborough – even the whole top of the south – will become a regional cul de sac.”
Mr Sowman says New Zealand has already had bitter experience of the effects of political decision-making based solely on financial outcomes while ignoring social consequences and he did not want to see that happen to Marlborough.
“The pain wrought by Rogernomics caused permanent damage to some communities because the effect of families and society was ignored. If the government determines it will go ahead on this, I’m sure they will also recognise that it will cause hurt within our region.”
The Mayor says feedback suggests Picton stands to lose about two hundred port, rail and ferry related jobs and that figure could double when all the related and associated employment in the retail, hospitality and accommodation sector is taken into account.
“Some of this will be displacement – with jobs moving to Clifford Bay – but many of Picton’s tourism and retail jobs will be wiped out.”
The drop in population, coupled with unemployment and businesses losses, would have a direct effect on Picton’s schools and social services, he said.
“I’ve now sat through seven hours of public discussion on this issue; listening to the various viewpoints from different parts of the region and the many questions that have been raised. While this project would offer significant advantages to the Seddon-Ward area, my fear is that it will, overall, disadvantage this region as a whole.”
“But we’re all working with uncertainty because there is no accurate data - and that uncertainty creates a cost in itself. It is debilitating for ferry-dependent businesses but it is also difficult for those who don’t know how much they will be hurt if the shift goes ahead.”
It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure a full social and economic impact report is incorporated into the decision-making process well before final decisions are made and the consent process begins, he said.
Mr Sowman says there is no doubt that the project would bring some benefits; construction investment and jobs on the Awatere side, and the positive aspects of reducing some of the heavy freight traffic through Blenheim. But any new port-related jobs would be more than matched by losses elsewhere, particularly in the tourism industry.
“Construction project work comes to an end – our tourism industry is a permanent part of our local economy.”
The Mayor also says it’s imperative that a cogent analysis of the risks to Marlborough ratepayers forms part of the decision-making.
“We need to see the detail and scope of the work that has already been done - and to be assured that all impacts are taken into account before any final decision.”
Mr Sowman says a thorough economic assessment report would take time and resources with the cost likely to run well beyond a hundred thousand dollars.
“That’s going to be another cost in this proposal but I am sure the government, if it wants to proceed, will acknowledge its responsibility to look at all aspects of this project thoroughly.”
“I also want to know if our ratepayers are at any risk of carrying capital or on-going costs indirectly associated with the project. Given the lack of information, we cannot accurately assess where costs may fall.”
Mr Sowman said establishing Clifford Bay would raise a need for new community facilities and services in the Awatere and the scale and quality of water and sewerage infrastructure would need to be addressed.
He said some ferry-related businesses would have to shift their operations and there would be cost involved in that.
The loss of a chunk of Port Marlborough’s dividend would be a blow to ratepayers, diminishing an important revenue source for the region.
“Most importantly, we need to understand what this would do to the viability of Picton; whether it would be able to sustain its present services. What, for example, would happen to the school rolls and associated funding?”
“If the government does decide it’s in the national interest to go ahead with the move to Clifford Bay, we cannot afford to have central government pushing costs onto our ratepayers, either for the project itself or for the planning in the run up to it. That would be grossly unfair to the ratepayers of this, the second smallest region in the country.”
ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR
The biggest Cook Strait ferry, Kaitake, arrived back in Wellington after a $4.5 million revamp.
Carol Cudby: Ferry slide show, click image below.
KAITAKI: Interislander's largest ferry has arrived back in Wellington, with a fresh image ready to sail on 12th September 2013 after making its way back from the Brisbane drydock.
The refurbishment included a revamp of the foodcourt area,
the bar, the atrium and the toilets, as well as the passenger thoroughfare and family lounge
on deck 8.
"The new interior design has a better flow through the different areas of the ship and gives it a much newer and fresher feel
that reflects New Zealand."
A KiwiRail spokesperson says.
The Foodcourt, re-branded as ‘Ocean View Eatery’, was stripped and rebuilt with the space opened up through into the Rembrandts Lounge, which also included a new seating layout providing sea views within this area.
Like the Foodcourt, the Karori Rip Bar was also entirely stripped, rebuilt, renamed ‘Local Heroes Café & Bar’. The old Irish Bar theme is now replaced with a bright, modern space that depicts images of New Zealand scenery and outdoor activities.
A significant amount of Maintenance work was undertaken elsewhere on the ship. The hull, tailshafts, stabilisers, and the decks, and parts of the ship were repainted.
A number of fuel efficiency measures were also undertaken, including the installation of new propeller blades and applying the latest generation of low resistance anti-fouling paint to protect the ship’s hull from marine growth.
"The refurbishment was done by an Irish Company MJM Marine Ltd, which has had significant experience in ferry and cruise ship refurbishment work, led the project,
in partnership with Swedish company Figura who specialise in ferry passenger design." Says the spokesperson.
"Kaitaki's $4.5 million refurbishment took place in Brisbane over a period of six weeks. The $4.5 million refurbishment happened during the quieter winter season and KiwiRail's other ferries – Arartere and Arahura – continued with the demands in her absence," says the spokes person.
KiwiRail Cook Strait ferries are, the Kaitake which carries passengers and road freight, while the two rail and road freight plus passenger Cook Strait ferries,
are the Aratere and Arahura.
Inter-islander are the Arahura, (which is owned by KiwiRail) Aratere, and Kaitaki. (which are leased)
New Zealand’s Cook Strait Wellington – Picton freight and passenger ferry service started in 1925 with the Tamhine which was owned by the Union Steam Ship Company until her withdrawal in 1962.
In 1962: New Zealand Railway's first roll on roll off sea freight/passenger ferry Aramoana paved the way for future ferries. In 1970 the Wellington to Lyttelton–Christchurch ferry service ended due to the Wahine disaster.
In the mid 1970’s the Wellington to Picton ferry service grew in passenger, rail and road freight and has become the main link between the North and South Island
of New Zealand.
A new Wellington to Picton Cook Strait road freight shipping company, Strait Shipping, marketed under Bluebridge, began in 1992, and the next change is expected to shift the terminal from Picton to Clifford Bay.
New Zealand owned and operated company Peter Baker Transport, which provides a nationwide freight service, uses Strait Shipping to distribute freight to the Blenheim, Nelson Christchurch.
Manager Victor Aramoana says 24 tonnes of freight comes up from Nelson and Blenheim every Sunday.
"The freight goes to places like Palmerston North and New Plymouth, but the majority of the freight goes to Auckland," says Mr Aramoana .
Asked for an opinion on the Clifford Bay proposal, a spokesman for Peter Baker Transport said they were unable to comment due to the logistics.
Jill Evans who is the owner of Cougar Line, a Marlborough Sounds water transport company, is worried about the proposal.
"I think it would be a total disaster for Picton if the new Clifford Bay ferry terminal went ahead. The Schools would be affected because the families would have to move away from Picton." says Ms Evans.
"Businesses in Picton rely on a certain volume of customers from the ferries. The local super markets, the garages, it will be a huge hit, that Picton would be expected to take."
"I don’t think provincial New Zealand deserves it. We’ve worked very hard to make this town, Picton, a destination and an attractive town to visit. The Marlborough City Council has put a lot of money into Picton. Without the ferries Picton would become a back wash," she says.
Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says, "a million-plus people travel through the Marlborough region."
"Picton could reinvent itself, to what extent, we don’t know" he says.
The refurbishment included a revamp of the foodcourt area,
the bar, the atrium and the toilets, as well as the passenger thoroughfare and family lounge
on deck 8.
"The new interior design has a better flow through the different areas of the ship and gives it a much newer and fresher feel
that reflects New Zealand."
A KiwiRail spokesperson says.
The Foodcourt, re-branded as ‘Ocean View Eatery’, was stripped and rebuilt with the space opened up through into the Rembrandts Lounge, which also included a new seating layout providing sea views within this area.
Like the Foodcourt, the Karori Rip Bar was also entirely stripped, rebuilt, renamed ‘Local Heroes Café & Bar’. The old Irish Bar theme is now replaced with a bright, modern space that depicts images of New Zealand scenery and outdoor activities.
A significant amount of Maintenance work was undertaken elsewhere on the ship. The hull, tailshafts, stabilisers, and the decks, and parts of the ship were repainted.
A number of fuel efficiency measures were also undertaken, including the installation of new propeller blades and applying the latest generation of low resistance anti-fouling paint to protect the ship’s hull from marine growth.
"The refurbishment was done by an Irish Company MJM Marine Ltd, which has had significant experience in ferry and cruise ship refurbishment work, led the project,
in partnership with Swedish company Figura who specialise in ferry passenger design." Says the spokesperson.
"Kaitaki's $4.5 million refurbishment took place in Brisbane over a period of six weeks. The $4.5 million refurbishment happened during the quieter winter season and KiwiRail's other ferries – Arartere and Arahura – continued with the demands in her absence," says the spokes person.
KiwiRail Cook Strait ferries are, the Kaitake which carries passengers and road freight, while the two rail and road freight plus passenger Cook Strait ferries,
are the Aratere and Arahura.
Inter-islander are the Arahura, (which is owned by KiwiRail) Aratere, and Kaitaki. (which are leased)
New Zealand’s Cook Strait Wellington – Picton freight and passenger ferry service started in 1925 with the Tamhine which was owned by the Union Steam Ship Company until her withdrawal in 1962.
In 1962: New Zealand Railway's first roll on roll off sea freight/passenger ferry Aramoana paved the way for future ferries. In 1970 the Wellington to Lyttelton–Christchurch ferry service ended due to the Wahine disaster.
In the mid 1970’s the Wellington to Picton ferry service grew in passenger, rail and road freight and has become the main link between the North and South Island
of New Zealand.
A new Wellington to Picton Cook Strait road freight shipping company, Strait Shipping, marketed under Bluebridge, began in 1992, and the next change is expected to shift the terminal from Picton to Clifford Bay.
New Zealand owned and operated company Peter Baker Transport, which provides a nationwide freight service, uses Strait Shipping to distribute freight to the Blenheim, Nelson Christchurch.
Manager Victor Aramoana says 24 tonnes of freight comes up from Nelson and Blenheim every Sunday.
"The freight goes to places like Palmerston North and New Plymouth, but the majority of the freight goes to Auckland," says Mr Aramoana .
Asked for an opinion on the Clifford Bay proposal, a spokesman for Peter Baker Transport said they were unable to comment due to the logistics.
Jill Evans who is the owner of Cougar Line, a Marlborough Sounds water transport company, is worried about the proposal.
"I think it would be a total disaster for Picton if the new Clifford Bay ferry terminal went ahead. The Schools would be affected because the families would have to move away from Picton." says Ms Evans.
"Businesses in Picton rely on a certain volume of customers from the ferries. The local super markets, the garages, it will be a huge hit, that Picton would be expected to take."
"I don’t think provincial New Zealand deserves it. We’ve worked very hard to make this town, Picton, a destination and an attractive town to visit. The Marlborough City Council has put a lot of money into Picton. Without the ferries Picton would become a back wash," she says.
Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says, "a million-plus people travel through the Marlborough region."
"Picton could reinvent itself, to what extent, we don’t know" he says.
Clifford Bay called risky option
Marlborough Express
RACHEL YOUNG
Last updated 09:02 25/07/2013
Parts of Marlborough 5cm to the east
Marlborough Express
Last updated 18:29 24/07/2013
ONENEWS TV ONE Breakfast 28 August 2013.
Rawdon talks to Mayor Sowman about the Seddon residents and the recent quakes.
Ferry case 'complex'
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 14:48 18/07/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 14:48 18/07/2013
Ferry changes route
PENNY WARDLE
Last updated 19:09 14/07/2013
PENNY WARDLE
Last updated 19:09 14/07/2013
Interislander rail ferry Arahura leaving Wellington heads, 14 July 2013
manipulated image Carol Cudby
Marfells Beach, Clifford Bay, New Zealand
click image left by Carol Cudby: Video by Sergei Polozov:
click image left by Carol Cudby: Video by Sergei Polozov:
Tourism challenge set out for Marlborough
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 14:25 13/06/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 14:25 13/06/2013
Brownlee pledges study on ferry port shift
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 05/06/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 05/06/2013
No interest in Bay land as port decision nears
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 15:25 05/06/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 15:25 05/06/2013
Clifford Bay ferry terminal investigation background
Last updated on 20/05/2013 11:11 a.m.
Read more about the investigation into the ferry terminal at Clifford Bay, the Ministry's involvement and where to from here
Last updated on 20/05/2013 11:11 a.m.
Read more about the investigation into the ferry terminal at Clifford Bay, the Ministry's involvement and where to from here
Freight data disputed
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 14:13 03/05/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 14:13 03/05/2013
Lack of information prompts questions
STEVE REDSHAW
Last updated 13:29 02/05/2013
STEVE REDSHAW
Last updated 13:29 02/05/2013
Wait for freight data, Govt told
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 11:37 02/05/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 11:37 02/05/2013
Plan to shift inter-island ferry spurs interest, says English
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:48 15/04/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:48 15/04/2013
Survey finds 'ghost town' fears
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 12:25 12/04/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 12:25 12/04/2013
Big upgrade of SH1 anticipated
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:47 25/03/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:47 25/03/2013
Gerry rejects mayor's request
CATHIE BELL AND LAURA BASHAM
Last updated 11:20 22/03/2013
CATHIE BELL AND LAURA BASHAM
Last updated 11:20 22/03/2013
Council spells out concerns
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 09:36 15/03/2013
Impact of ferry move sought
Last updated 13:00 14/03/2013
Last updated 13:00 14/03/2013
Call for end to secrecy on ferry
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 12:20 12/03/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 12:20 12/03/2013
Gerry feels the heat
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 11:00 12/03/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 11:00 12/03/2013
Hard times on the high street
JARED NICOLL
Last updated 07:34 12/03/2013
JARED NICOLL
Last updated 07:34 12/03/2013
Minister talks up ferry shift plan
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:56 11/03/2013
Terminal move still pending
GEORGINA STYLIANOU
Last updated 07:07 09/03/2013
GEORGINA STYLIANOU
Last updated 07:07 09/03/2013
Picton would survive ferry terminal move - Brownlee
GEORGINA STYLIANOU
Last updated 14:17 08/03/2013
GEORGINA STYLIANOU
Last updated 14:17 08/03/2013
Brownlee speech to Chamber of Commerce
Last updated 06:46 08/03/2013
Last updated 06:46 08/03/2013
Clifford Bay First Meeting
14 February 2013
Picton Village Bakkerij manager Sarah O'Bryan
speaks to Mayor Alistair Sowman at the close
of the meeting.
Picton ferry move
Clifford Bay: The other side
Impact on tourism hard to gauge
NAOMI ARNOLD
Last updated 09:49 25/02/2013
Brownlee to get back to mayor
Top of the south a regional cul de sac
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:56 22/02/2013
Top of the south a regional cul de sac
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:56 22/02/2013
Shifting port 'will isolate region'
ANNA PEARSON
Last updated 13:00 19/02/2013
ANNA PEARSON
Last updated 13:00 19/02/2013
Jobs on line in ferry proposal
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:35 19/02/2013
CATHIE BELL
Last updated 07:35 19/02/2013
Ferry move needs impact study
BRIAN DAWSON
Last updated 17:14 16/02/2013
Shift will 'rip guts out of Picton'
KAT PICKFORD
Last updated 07:56 14/02/2013
KAT PICKFORD
Last updated 07:56 14/02/2013
Salt from Lake Grassmere - Roadside Stories
Saltworks fears ferry move
KAT PICKFORD
Last updated 16:15 13/02/2013
Inter-Islander ad "Sailing to the Other Side" (1990)
Ad for the Picton-Wellingotn ferry service
featuring an original song by the Waratahs.
This song became a big hit for the 'Tah's
and even features on their Greatest Hits CD.
Arahura enters Tory Channel
from Queen Charlotte Sound.
PHOTOS ABOVE and BELOW: Carol Cudby
Clifford Bay -
The new destination for our interisland ferry terminal?
Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company owner Sara Archdale talks......
The big question – will the interisland ferry terminal be shifted from Picton to Clifford Bay
took a step closer to being answered yesterday with the announcement that a feasibility study will be completed by early next year.
Clifford Bay is located on the eastern coastline, directly opposite Wellington and about a 1.5 hour drive south of Picton.
It is said will take 80 minutes off a road-ferry trip and 110 minutes off a rail-ferry trip.
On the surface it looks a simple equation – fuel and time savings for transport will be significant, but it will be interesting to see how they justify the social impacts on not only Picton with the loss of around 1 million passengers travelling through our town but also how it affects the visitor travel routes around the top of the South.
Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company owner Sara Archdale talks to Katherine Ryan on Radio New Zealand
<iframe src=”http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/remote-player?id=2537399” width=”100%” frameborder=”0″ height=”62px”></iframe>
It will also be interesting to see how they justify the environmental impacts on what is currently a piece of untouched coastline.
There is also the issues around the weather with this piece of coastline being notoriously exposed and rough. We see the effects in Picton,
when the ferries are cancelled or postponed due to weather. Passengers are relieved that they have the choice of cafes, shops and accommodation
while they wait for the weather to clear. One can only imagine what it will be like for those marooned at Clifford Bay, with little infrastructure around them,
waiting for the ferries to sail.
When we think about the impacts on our community, it is wide-reaching and has the potential to substantially change the way our town operates.
Picton will always be a beautiful place to visit and stay, as will the Marlborough Sounds, but the infrastructure that we currently enjoy, which is based
on the flow of visitor traffic, will change significantly if those visitor flows drop. This then flows on to the services that can be provided and in turn
effects the visitor experience.
We will be working hard with others in our community to ensure that the true costs and implications of this decision are included in the feasibility study.
An interesting time ahead!
Tags: clifford bay, inter-island ferry, inter-island ferry terminal shift, Interislander, Marlborough, Marlborough Sounds, Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co., New Zealand, Picton
This entry was posted on Friday, November 2nd, 2012 at 1:20 pm
1990s Ferry terminal plans resurrected
Archived videos below
The new destination for our interisland ferry terminal?
Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company owner Sara Archdale talks......
The big question – will the interisland ferry terminal be shifted from Picton to Clifford Bay
took a step closer to being answered yesterday with the announcement that a feasibility study will be completed by early next year.
Clifford Bay is located on the eastern coastline, directly opposite Wellington and about a 1.5 hour drive south of Picton.
It is said will take 80 minutes off a road-ferry trip and 110 minutes off a rail-ferry trip.
On the surface it looks a simple equation – fuel and time savings for transport will be significant, but it will be interesting to see how they justify the social impacts on not only Picton with the loss of around 1 million passengers travelling through our town but also how it affects the visitor travel routes around the top of the South.
Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company owner Sara Archdale talks to Katherine Ryan on Radio New Zealand
<iframe src=”http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/remote-player?id=2537399” width=”100%” frameborder=”0″ height=”62px”></iframe>
It will also be interesting to see how they justify the environmental impacts on what is currently a piece of untouched coastline.
There is also the issues around the weather with this piece of coastline being notoriously exposed and rough. We see the effects in Picton,
when the ferries are cancelled or postponed due to weather. Passengers are relieved that they have the choice of cafes, shops and accommodation
while they wait for the weather to clear. One can only imagine what it will be like for those marooned at Clifford Bay, with little infrastructure around them,
waiting for the ferries to sail.
When we think about the impacts on our community, it is wide-reaching and has the potential to substantially change the way our town operates.
Picton will always be a beautiful place to visit and stay, as will the Marlborough Sounds, but the infrastructure that we currently enjoy, which is based
on the flow of visitor traffic, will change significantly if those visitor flows drop. This then flows on to the services that can be provided and in turn
effects the visitor experience.
We will be working hard with others in our community to ensure that the true costs and implications of this decision are included in the feasibility study.
An interesting time ahead!
Tags: clifford bay, inter-island ferry, inter-island ferry terminal shift, Interislander, Marlborough, Marlborough Sounds, Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co., New Zealand, Picton
This entry was posted on Friday, November 2nd, 2012 at 1:20 pm
1990s Ferry terminal plans resurrected
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