OCEANIA

Auckland revises expansion plans

13 years ago

Ports of Auckland has released two scaled-back options for future expansion in order to balance handling projected cargo growth with appeasing community interests.

Last year the port company faced strong opposition to its original plan to expand waterfront operations from 77 hectares to 99 hectares including an apparent 283-metre extension of Bledisloe Wharf into Waitemata Harbour.

The new proposals entail:
– Option 1: a 5.5-hectare expansion, including extending Bledisloe Wharf 135 metres and retaining Captain Cook Wharf for cargo
– Option 2: (preferred by the port): a 6.6-hectare expansion, including extending Bledisloe Wharf 179 metres and releasing Captain Cook Wharf for public use

However, opposition to any port growth remains. The Committee for Auckland lobby group claims the plans are “premature and should not proceed” while the Westhaven Marina Users’ Association states the new proposals would “significantly narrow the entrance to the harbour and affect tidal flows and wind patterns”.