Chester Borrows

A parliamentary local bill, intended to clarify ownership responsibilities and create development opportunities at the Wanganui Port, has been tabled with the Clerk of the House today.

The port has been mired in legal difficulties since the lease was transferred from Ocean Terminals Ltd to River City Port Limited in March 2004.

Wanganui's district council has indicated that the best solution is to compensate the lessee and regain direct control of the port. It has established a partnership with local Wanganui iwi to effect this result, and framed a local parliamentary bill to be introduced to the House by Whanganui MP Chester Borrows.

"We have also indicated to River City Port that we are happy to chat about outstanding issues, and enter mediation if need be.

"However, one of the reasons that this parliamentary legislation is so important is because River City Port is deliberately blocking commercial development at the port. This is directly jeopardising Wanganui jobs and investment. That can no longer be tolerated."