Tainui 'inland port' proposal to be fast-tracked through board of inquiry

Friday 30th August 2013

The government has agreed to fast-track resource consent applications by the joint venture between Tainui Group Holdings and Chedworth Properties to construct a $3.3 billion inland transport hub on land at Ruakura, on the outskirts of Hamilton.

Environment Minister Amy Adams confirmed today that the proposal would be assessed under the nine month timetable that applies when boards of inquiry assess applications.

The joint venture lodged its application for the development in June, and has won Environmental Protection Authority support for its contention the 30 to 50 development project has national significance. The long term plan includes an industrial park and housing development as well as a transport hub at a junction point between the ports of Auckland and Tauranga.

The board has yet to be appointed and must first accept the application, which will require changes to the Hamilton City Operative District Plan. The Hamilton City Council has previously opposed the Ruakura development.

Tainui Group Holdings chief executive Mike Pohio said that, if approved and resource consents could be achieved quickly for the first stage of the development, it could create some 740 new permanent jobs, as well as construction work during development.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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