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Clifford Bay Backed Over Picton

Tuesday 4 December 2007, 4:26PM

By Federated Farmers of New Zealand

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MARLBOROUGH

Federated Farmers will be supporting a switch in the primary inter-island ferry terminal from Picton to Clifford Bay in its submission to the government's draft coastal shipping strategy.



"A Clifford Bay terminal makes sense. It would result in quicker crossings of Cook Strait in a shorter, more direct route without speed restrictions applying in the Marlborough Sounds," said Donald Aubrey, the Federation's transport spokesman.



"Efficiency gains are readily achievable for both road and rail infrastructure. Reduced energy consumption coupled with environmental and safety benefits mean that government needs to consider this option closely.



"It is anticipated that Picton would continue to operate as an important tourism destination, with lighter ferry traffic," Mr Aubrey said.



"The Clifford Bay option has been explored on and off for many years but it should be put back on the agenda. North-South ferries are vital infrastructure for New Zealand's economy, and therefore should be as efficient as possible.



"Federated Farmers appreciates that this is a matter for Toll NZ Ltd and Marlborough District Council, but given the likely wider benefits it would be useful for the Ministry of Transport to investigate the proposal further."



Federated Farmers' submission recommends that more work be carried out to investigate the benefits and costs of the proposed ferry terminal for Clifford Bay, about 30km south of Blenheim.



"Submissions on the coastal shipping review close on December 19 and we suggest other submitters should support Clifford Bay as a better inter-island link," Mr Aubrey said.