Milford Tunnel Project Idea Sunk

Wednesday, 17 July 2013, 5:09 pm
Article: Hamish Cardwell

Milford Tunnel Project Idea Sunk

Scoop Audio+Video+Photos

By Hamish Cardwell

17 July 2013

A proposed 11-kilometre tunnel through National Park land in Southland has been rejected.

Minister of Conservation Nick Smith said he turned down the project because its environmental impact “were beyond what was appropriate” for the World Heritage Area.

“When it comes to national parks nature gets the benefit of the doubt.”

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Milford Dart Limited had proposed a one-lane bus tunnel be dug between the Dart and Hollyford Valleys in the Milford Sound.

The project was set to cost $180 million and would have halved travel time for visitors to the sound, he said.

He declined the application because of environment impact of the soil displaced in the dig, the impact of the new road, and because the engineering work required was in inconsistent with Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Park Management Plans.

Safety was also a concern in a tunnel of that size, he said.

Dr Smith said he had informed the applicants that afternoon, and there was a high likelihood that of his decision would face a legal challenge.

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