Council seeks partner to manage Whitford Quarry

Manukau City Council is in the process of talking to quarry operators about the right to extract up to 8 million tonnes of aggregate from the Whitford Quarry.

"It is proposed that the successful operator would enter into either an outright purchase of the rights or be a joint venture partner with Council," City Manager Colin Dale announced today.

"It is important that we use a competitive process to ensure we get the best value for ratepayers from this resource," he said.

"The quarry is an important part of Council's commercial operations. Not only does it generate revenue for Council but it is an important source of aggregate for the Auckland Region. We anticipate the demand for aggregate will increase as the region's proposed major roading projects get under way.

"We will be consulting with the Whitford community over the future of the quarry and recognise the importance of the quarry to the local residents and the interest they have in its operations."

The Whitford Quarry has operated for nearly 80 years at its present site. Presently it is managed on behalf of Council by Excell Corporation. The Council's contract with Excell expires in 2007.

Colin Dale said "Council is now looking to start a process to replace the current arrangement. Excell will also be asked to make an offer."

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