Infrastructure Minister Fast-Tracks Southern Link Inland Port Approval

The proposed Southern Link inland port in North Taieri has received a significant boost, as Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has referred the project for a fast-tracked consenting process. This decision reflects the considerable effort invested by the project team to compile the necessary information to clear regulatory hurdles, according to Kevin Winders, chief executive of Port Otago. He emphasized that the substantive application is an advancement beyond initial stages, with the goal of clearly articulating the project’s rationale.

Winders noted that if the process proceeds smoothly, the inland port could see construction begin as early as next year, injecting much-needed investment into the local economy. He stated, “Ultimately, we just want to be in a position where we can clearly articulate the rationale for the project and have the appropriate documentation,” similar to what is typically required for a plan change or resource consent.

This inland port, which is a joint venture between Port Otago’s Chalmers Property company and Dynes Transport Tapanui, aims to enhance logistics for containerised exporters and importers in the lower South Island. The project promises to improve the efficiency, resilience, and cost-effectiveness of handling freight at Port Otago. A key feature of the proposal includes a shift from road to rail for freight transportation, which is expected to alleviate congestion at the port.

Local Support and Economic Potential

Winders described the project as critical for addressing constraints at the port, stating, “We’re becoming constrained at the port. There’s no industrial land of scale in Dunedin, and everyone’s drifted out to Mosgiel.” The inland port is poised to bolster the supply chain’s resilience, with Winders asserting, “It’s up to us now to put the best case forward.”

Support for the project is widespread. Jules Radich, Mayor of Dunedin, confirmed that both mana whenua, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and KiwiRail back the referral. The inland port was highlighted in the city council and Otago Regional Council’s future development strategy (FDS) last year, which identified freight transport as a significant issue for Dunedin. Radich noted that increasing the proportion of freight moved by rail could lead to enhanced efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

Community leaders also see substantial economic potential in the project. Andrew Simms, chairman of the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board, described the inland port as one of Dunedin’s most exciting economic development opportunities in years. He pointed out the availability of large tracts of flat industrial land near the North Taieri site, anticipating that new enterprises would emerge swiftly, fulfilling the region’s developmental needs.

Project Features and Future Prospects

The Southern Link inland port includes several key components designed to facilitate logistics and freight movement. Planned features encompass a rail siding to support a freight shuttle service to Port Chalmers, up to 80,000 sqm of high-stud warehousing, a truck canopy and unloading area, and a 5-hectare container depot. Additionally, the project will incorporate a container terminal capable of storing full containers and providing charging ports for up to 1,500 refrigerated containers.

Infrastructure improvements are also part of the project scope, with road widening and upgrades planned for the Dukes Road rail crossing. The proposal intends to provide storage for goods that cannot be packed into standard shipping containers, further enhancing operational flexibility.

As the project moves forward, its successful realization could create numerous jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. The fast-tracked consenting process marks an important step for the Southern Link inland port, which promises to reshape freight logistics for Dunedin and beyond.