22 Jan 2013

Key players called to meetings on ferry terminal proposal

11:05 am on 22 January 2013

The Ministry of Transport has called meetings with key players amid discussions on moving the Cook Strait ferry terminal from Picton to Clifford Bay in Marlborough.

Port Marlborough, ferry companies Strait Shipping and Interislander and the Marlborough District Council have been notified of meetings, but none are sure what the meeting is about.

Marlborough mayor Alistair Sowman said he had not received an agenda for the council's meeting with the ministry, which takes place on Thursday.

But he hopes to get his hands on a report the ministry has that outlines the economic impact on Marlborough of shifting the ferry terminal.

Mr Sowman said the council and Port Marlborough have been trying to get the report for months.

Interislander general manager Thomas Davis said the parties have signed a confidentiality agreement with the ministry so it can release private information on the plans. He said he expected that process to begin soon.