Todd Barclay
National Candidate for Clutha-Southland

29 May 2014

National candidate welcomes Fiordland Link monorail decision

Clutha-Southland National candidate Todd Barclay has welcomed the Government’s decision to decline the Fiordland Link monorail application.

Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today announced his decision to decline the application by Riverstone Holdings Limited to build and operate a $240 million monorail through the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area including the Snowden Forest and Fiordland National Park, saying the proposal did not stand up either economically or environmentally.

Mr Barclay says today’s announcement will also be welcomed by many across greater northern Southland.

“While this proposal sought to increase visitor numbers between Queenstown and Milford Sound, it would have resulted in a decrease in visitor numbers through Te Anau and Mossburn,” he says.

“I’ve heard a lot of concern and opposition to the proposal by business owners and locals across northern Southland, particularly in Te Anau and Mossburn, who rely heavily on tourists passing through.

“Our region is also host to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, if not the world. As the Minister has said, it’s vitally important that any developments in an area with World Heritage status and which impact on the Fiordland National Park meet the highest of standards.

“The National-led Government is committed to building a more productive and competitive economy. This includes protecting and promoting existing regional business activities but also ensuring that we balance this with preserving our flora, fauna and natural heritage. I believe the Minister’s decision today is the right one.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media