Link to Milford a step closer

An interim decision by the Department of Conservation paves the way for a proposed $170 million tunnel linking Queenstown to Milford Sound to be considered.

The Otago Conservation Board recently considered an overview of submissions to the draft Mt Aspiring National Park management plan along with interim decisions from the Department of Conservation.

Otago Conservancy planner Bronwyn Hunt yesterday confirmed one of the interim decisions on new roads recommended the plan be amended to change the boundaries of the front country zone at the end of the Routeburn Rd.

The change would allow a concession application for a new road in the area to be considered. She said the area was where the Milford Dart tunnel access road was proposed.

At hearings last July, Milford Dart Ltd director Michael Sleigh said provision for the tunnel should be included in the plan.

The single-lane 10.2km tunnel, which would run between the Routeburn and Hollyford Valleys under two national parks, would cut the driving time to Milford Sound by 55%, create 300 jobs during construction and have no significant adverse effects, the company claimed.

Milford Dart managing director Tom Elworthy said yesterday the interim decision was great news.

"That works for us. It doesn't guarantee us a successful result, but it gives the opportunity for the application to be heard."

It had already applied to the Department of Conservation for concession to build the 300m access road from the Routeburn Rd to the tunnel entrance.

"We are hoping to see a draft decision in the next few months... if we can go ahead, we will proceed with the resource consent process," he said.

The Otago Daily Times reported in April the project was on hold because of the global recession and credit crunch.

Mr Elworthy confirmed yesterday the project was back in consideration.

Otago Conservation Board chairman Hoani Langsbury said the board believed the tunnel application should get an airing.

"We have no opinion on the Milford Dart, [but] we feel the public should be able to consider the merits of the application," he said.

Otago Conservancy community relations manager Ken Stewart said the interim decision did not mean the department approved of the proposal.

"We know where the access road needs to be and the plan needs to be changed for a concession application to be considered," he said.

Submissions by Venture Southland and the Southland Conservation Board opposed any new roads in the park and specifically opposed the Milford Dart tunnel.

Both declined to comment yesterday but indicated they would be looking at the matter with interest.

A final draft document will come back to the Otago Conservation Board for approval next February.

- joanne.carroll@odt.co.nz