Marlborough's mayor has requested an independent report to assess the social and economic impact on the region of moving ferry services to Clifford Bay.
Alistair Sowman has written to Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee asking central government to commission the report early in the decision-making process.
At public meetings in Marlborough last week, local residents and business owners raised serious concerns about the Government's proposals to shift ferry services from Picton to a site 35km south of Blenheim.
Business owners in Picton say they could lose up to 70% of their revenue and it is estimated that 200 jobs would be lost in the South Island town.
The Government is expected to issue a report on the viability of the plans in April.
