Media Release 14 July 2004

Breakthrough Heralded for Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal Upgrade

The Mayor of Manukau City, Sir Barry Curtis, has announced that work is set to resume on preparations for an upgraded ferry terminal facility at Half Moon Bay.

Sir Barry said that this followed a breakthrough in negotiations between ARTNL and the ferry operators at Half Moon Bay.

In welcoming this news, Sir Barry said that developing a new terminal facility was long overdue, and urged the parties to co-operate in bringing about a successful development as quickly as possible.

Sir Barry said that he understood that ARTNL, a council controlled organisation in which Manukau City Council is a shareholder, is targeting completion of the new facility by the end of 2005. To achieve this, ARTNL was working to finalise the detail of revised access arrangements for the existing ferry operators by the beginning of September, with a view to submitting a new resource consent application in October. All going well the consent should be obtained before the end of 2004, enabling construction to commence early in 2005.

Under the agreements being negotiated with the ferry operators, new access regimes will be put in place for the existing facility as well as the expanded facility due to be completed next year. "These arrangements will respect the historic usage rights of Subritzky while ensuring that available timeslots are made available for other operators as required," said Sir Barry.

Sir Barry, who has had discussions with the key parties, said he was pleased this breakthrough had occurred. "I'm urging all the parties to work to remove any remaining glitches to this programme, and to work constructively to support ARTNL's planned timetable. Anything less will be contrary to the interests of ferry passengers and the public generally," said Sir Barry.

ENDS

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