ADVANCE TO GO

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Port Motueka could undergo a massive transformation if a proposed $100 million WhanganuiMotueka ferry service gets the goahead.

The project would likely require a 7-metre deep channel through the internationally recognised Motueka Sandspit, and a Y-shaped turning area to allow ferries to reverse and dock.

Reclamation of an adjacent area for parking and marshalling is also proposed.

The proposals outlined to the Tasman District Council (TDC) on Thursday saw one councillor raise environmental concerns about the impact on the sandspit.

The site is recognised as an internationally important site for shorebirds, including migrating godwits.

Advocates for the Midwest Ferries project presented a feasibility study to the council and asked for funding to help develop a detailed business case. They requested TDC form a joint taskforce with Whanganui District Council.

Feasibility study co-author Nik Zangouropoulos said the proposal to offer a daily return freight trip over the 115-nautical mile route was commercially viable.

‘‘One vessel and only the freight market initially – that’s the best scenario at this stage,’’ he said.

A second ferry for passengers would come later.

The initial one-ferry operation was expected to provide about 120 jobs. Zangouropoulos estimated about one-third could be positions in Motueka.

‘‘It’s hard to know. It depends on the crew and where they stay, where are they from.’’

Though the project’s backers were seeking local government funds and would also request a contribution from central government during the establishment phase, there would be ‘‘no claim on the public purse’’ after that. ‘‘It’s to be privately funded. ‘‘Now, the quid pro quo that we’re seeking with the port owners is an agreement, which is we would put in something in the vicinity of $75m to $100m of investment in return for a long-term usage agreement,’’ Zangouropoulos said.

Whanganui District Council’s commercial arm had given indicative support for $70,000 and a ‘‘subsequent support package’’ into the next financial year of $100,000.

After the presentation, Zangouropoulos said he expected that proposed funding support to go before the full Whanganui council early next month. A matching financial contribution from TDC was also being sought, he said.

Midwest Ferries anticipated it would pay no berthage fees since it would fund the port development.

Its first sailing is tipped for mid2021.