The timing was not ideal, but completion of a key construction project at Port Chalmers could be vital for the region\u2019s growth and it came in $1 million under budget.<\/p>\n
That was some of the messaging communicated via loud speakers at the Port Otago site yesterday during the opening of a new rail pad.<\/p>\n
This competed with commentary from protesters intended for the ears of Minister for Rail Winston Peters and it was on a different subject \u2014 New Zealand\u2019s lack of recognition for a Palestinian state.<\/p>\n
Mr Peters, also the minister of foreign affairs, told port workers he was there to “join you for a Dunner stunner and not be over the fence with Dumb and Dumber”.<\/p>\n
After returning to his speech notes, Mr Peters said it was important to “invest in ourselves” and get rail back on track.<\/p>\n
“Now growth and productivity don\u2019t happen by chance \u2014 they happen by an unrepentant and unapologetic commitment to New Zealand\u2019s unfinished business,” he said.<\/p>\n
Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders said the rail siding cost $12.5m to build, which was $1m under budget.<\/p>\n
It had initially been hoped the project might start earlier, but KiwiRail asked if it could be postponed after Cyclone Gabrielle wrought damage on the North Island, he said.<\/p>\n
The port agreed, but the project was also important for the planned Southern Link logistics park near Mosgiel.<\/p>\n
“So we made the call to start in February, which is our peak season, and we\u2019ve just finished it,” Mr Winders said.<\/p>\n
Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones said a development mandate had to be pursued.<\/p>\n
In May, Mr Jones announced a loan of up to $8.2m from the regional infrastructure fund for development of a rail siding at the Southern Link site near Mosgiel.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Mr Peters said inland freight hubs provided vital additional space away from busy coastal ports.<\/p>\n
Every major city in New Zealand had one, except Dunedin, he said.<\/p>\n
“That is finally changing.”<\/p>\n
At a glance<\/p>\n
Port Chalmers rail siding. \u2014<\/p>\n
\u2022 720 truckloads of concrete\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2022 2.5km of rail over 4 tracks with 6\u00a0turnouts, or rail switches<\/p>\n
\u2022 2140m of underground power and\u00a0communications ducts<\/p>\n