Media Release

Report on Milford Access Options a Useful Discussion Document

A report commissioned by Environment Southland to analyse access options into Milford Sound was intended as a high-level discussion document that will be useful in the preparation of the Regional Land Transport Strategy, the Regional Transport Committee was told at its meeting today.

The Milford Access Options Study was commissioned by Environment Southland to provide an objective and robust analysis of the risks and opportunities associated with 12 different access options.

The report was presented by Environment Southland transport policy analyst, Russell Hawkes who said that it was intended to be a document to promote discussion.

Committee Chairman Ali Timms noted that there had been some media interest in the report. “I think it’s good that it has generated debate inside this room and outside,” she said.

Chairman Timms said it could be hard to plan ahead with the changes in modes of transport. “This report is a good first step to lead into our Land Transport Strategy,” she said. “There are lots of options and at any stage if this committee forms a view, this could be a part of it.”

Assessment criteria in the report took into account social, environmental, cultural and economic wellbeing; technical issues; and regional, national and international perspectives. Each access option was scored against the criteria and was also given an overall ranking. The ranking produced in the report is a result of multi-criteria analysis and is not a favoured option.

Chairman Timms said while it was easy to focus on the rankings, it was the information behind them that was important.

The report was carried out by MWH and is the only comparison of the 12 options since an earlier report by GHD in 2005.

ENDS

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