Haast to Hollyford Road viability study initiated

The Haast to Hollyford Road has been mooted for a long time. Photo / File

The Haast to Hollyford Road could have a significant impact on the region but the economics of it need to be fully understood, the Tai Poutini West Coast Growth Study released yesterday says.

The Government-initiated study has recommended fuller investigation "to clarify once and for all" if the road is viable.

It was one of three major projects tagged for a closer look as a result of the Government study.

The other projects are the Wangapeka road link to the Nelson region, and a waste recycling plant in Buller utilising the former cement works site.

The report noted the Haast to Hollyford Road at this point lacks "sufficient information" to judge its merits or viability either way, although it was likely to be a significant project for the region".

"Westland will likely benefit more than the rest of the region and there may even be fewer travellers north of Hokitika," the report noted.

Haast Hollyford Ltd had indicated their existing cost benefit estimates needed updating and technical and environmental assessments were also required.

Detailed cost benefit estimates to cover "a broader range of factors" such as environmental costs, the displacement of visitors from other areas, economic flow-on benefits, and the impact on Milford Sound were not yet known.

Detailed environmental impact assessments and amendments to National Park management plans were among several issues that needed addressing.

Haast Hollyford Ltd had previously suggested the road be "called in" as a special project by the Minister for the Environment to facilitate the project.

However, given the scale of the project several central government agencies would need to be involved, along with the company and relevant councils, for it to be called in.

"This will ensure the case will be robust. It will also reveal sooner rather than later whether access to the conservation estate will be possible," the report said.

The case for both road projects "has not been proven", the report said.

"These two proposals rank relatively low on our criteria, largely due to the current limited evidence available.

"Although the potential benefits of these roads could be significant, the benefits will likely be captured mainly by the two districts the roads connect to and we consider that the direct and indirect costs are likely to be high."

Despite "this low rating" feasibility assessments and business cases were needed so the region and the projects' packers were "not left in doubt" either way.

- Greymouth Star