Marlbporough Sounds National Transportation Route

Marlbporough Sounds A National Transportation Route

The call from Guardians of the Sounds/ Friends of Nelson Haven to have the Marlborough Sounds designated a National Transportation Route is a bit late. The sounds are clearly designated as such in the Marlborough District Council Plans.

The Shipping Federation says it is too early to involve the Government in this matter as the Resource Management Act clearly places the responsibility on the District Council in the first instance to make plans.

Paul Nicholas the manager of the NZ Shipping Federation did write to senior Government Ministers as long ago as August 2004 outlining the importance of the Marlborough Sounds as a transportation route. The Marlborough District Council Variation 3 was at that stage seen being a possible major impediment to the flow of freight between the North and South Islands.

The Federation has confidence in the Environment Court to hear the facts in accordance with the Resource Management Act relating to vessels in the Marlborough Sounds.

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