Picton residents want the Government to carefully consider the impact on their town of moving the Cook Strait ferry terminal to Clifford Bay.
The Government is further investigating the case for building the terminal at Marlborough's Clifford Bay at an estimated cost of about $422 million - more than double the estimate of last year.
It's estimated locating the terminal at Clifford Bay could cut 80 minutes from a ferry and road trip between Wellington and Christchurch, or 110 minutes from a ferry and rail journey.
But local councillor Trevor Hook says Picton relies on the million people that pass through it every year and, although the town will probably bounce back in the long run, there could be serious short term harm. Mr Hook says the Government will need to provide assistance through that period.
The Cabinet has asked the Ministry of Transport for a new report which will be completed next year.
Transport firm Mainfreight managing director Don Braid says Clifford Bay has been on the agenda for years and it's time to make decisions rather than carry out another report.
