Stage two of port development plan about to be submitted

Port

After five years in the planning, Eastland Port's Twin Berth stage two consent application is just weeks away from being submitted.

“This is a significant milestone for Eastland Port and Tairawhiti, and one we've worked towards with many different experts, hapu and iwi, neighbours, businesses, our customers, and the community to future-proof the port,” says Eastland Port infrastructure manager Marty Bayley.

“Together we have developed a balanced solution that considers the integrity of historic and cultural sites around the port and the local environment, while at the same time supporting the community and economy.”

The application will cover the extension of wharf 8; one hectare of reclamation; dredging the channel and harbour; and rebuilding the outer breakwater.

It will also include upgrading the last of the port's log yards with its award-winning stormwater treatment system.

“Now more than ever we need to upgrade our infrastructure and prepare the port to ensure we can keep ahead of the demand of projected volumes of wood products, the growing horticulture sector, cruise ships and enable containerisation,” said Mr Bayley.

When completed, two ships between 185 and 200 metres long will be able to safely berth at the same time. These will include logging ships, produce vessels, wood chip ships, coastal container vessels and smaller cruise liners.

“The Twin Berth project will help unlock Tairawhiti's long-term economic growth by providing the capacity needed by a thriving forestry industry, offering more opportunities for exporters and importers, and creating more jobs for our region,” said Mr Bayley.

“With more than a quarter of employment in Tairawhiti coming from forestry and agriculture, and the processing of the products from these industries, increased capacity at Eastland Port will bring huge benefits to the region.

“Economic modelling for the project shows $84 million will be put into the pockets of local contractors through construction and in the long term it will enable an extra $250 million to be added to our region's GDP.”