Backing for log barge

By ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE

A proposal to barge logs from East Cape forests to the Port of Tauranga has the backing of Environment Bay of Plenty.

The regional council will share the cost of a preliminary study with Transfund and Sea-Tow, a sea freight company that is looking at setting up a log barging operation at Te Kaha, northeast of Opotiki.

At least 30 trucks a day travel the East Cape coastal road, State Highway 35, heading for Tauranga, Te Puke, Rotorua or Kawerau.

That will more than double to 74 trucks when forest harvesting peaks in four or five years.

Environment BOP transportation manager Garry Maloney said any alternative to road transport had potentially significant benefits for the environment, other road users, and residents.

"We want to actively support schemes that lessen the growth of heavy traffic on the roads and, more importantly, the adverse effects of those vehicles, including their emissions, noise and related safety issues."

The initial study into transporting logs by sea is due to start soon and may be followed by a more in-depth investigation.