Submissions

Currently there are a range of proposals being promoted to allow faster, alternative means of access into Milford Sound other than the current road link and Milford Road corridor which travels via Te Anau. Two of these proposals, the Milford Dart Tunnel and Fiordland Link Monorail, have been granted approval to apply for concession from the Department of Conservation who oversee activity in the National Park. Permission to apply for concessions are the first step in the process and includes the ability for the public to express their views and or concerns about the proposals, and also includes the ability for additional conditions to be requested.

Destination Fiordland (who maintain this website and represent a membership base of Fiordland businesses) want to ensure that our members are fully informed of the proposals and that individuals and businesses alike take the opportunity to express their veiws as part of the submissions process.

Proposed Milford Dart Tunnel

Milford Dart Ltd have proposed to build a tunnel between the Routeburn Road end and the Hollyford Valley and allow 'invitees‘ to use this tunnel for faster access to Milford Sound from Queenstown. This is currently subject to a concession process with the Department of Conservation. The concession application consists of investigating, constructing, operating and maintaining a bus tunnel and associated infrastructure. Their concession application has been approved in principle by the Department of Conservation (DOC), subject to public notification. Now is the time for YOU to have your say!

Destination Fiordland's official position is that we oppose the Milford Dart application for concession because of the potential environmental impacts and degradation of the visitor experience presented by this proposal.  We urge members to provide their own submissions. Details of the requirements of the concession are included in the documents below. Please note that only points relevant to the concession application will be considered i.e. the likely social or economic effect on Te Anau businesses will not be deemed relevant to the concession application and will not therefore be considered.  It is important to request that the hearing be held in Te Anau and you should ask for your submission to be heard.


Submission information
If you wish to have your say on the project, specifically the impact this project may have on Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, you need to make a submission before Monday 20 February 2012 (please note an extension has been granted).

The rationale behind the concession decision should be downloaded from: http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/notified-concession-applications/dart-passage-tunnel-milford-dart-ltd

A good overview of the application and general explanation of effects is contained in the Executive Summary of the report (copied into these guidelines).

Venture Southland have prepared submission guidelines upon request from Southland District Council, to assist people with making informed submissions - click here to see this.

The Te Anau Community Board have also prepared a submission and the summary document of this submission is available by clicking here.  This can be used as a stand-alone submission by members of the Fiordland community.  It is recommended that you add your own "flavour" to the submission - there may be other points that you wish to add.  It is important that as well as signing your submission, you include your name and contact details (including email) so that your submission can be acknowledged.

Information sheet and submission information from Southland Forest & Bird - click here

Glenorchy Community Press Release - 23 January 2012  

Additional ways that people can get involved:

• 'Like' the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Against-the-Milford-Dart/122229837886973 (see also Fiordland Advocate article http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/148.html )

• Talk to your Tourism Industry Association rep and make your collective views are heard through their national advocacy role

• Entities of influence may wish to supply content to Inside Tourism magazine, or other media to raise public awareness

• Talk to your local MP

We strongly suggest you do write a submission to DOC as well.

Information about the Monorail proposal

The Directors of Riverstone Holdings Limited have released a media statement and associated background information (Thursday 8th December 2011) advising of the decision by the Southland Conservator that the Department of Conservation has approved in principle the granting of a concession easement for 60 years to construct and operate a monorail subject to the outcome of a public notification process.

Press release by Riverstone Holdings Ltd - 8th December 2011

DOC press release - 8th December 2011. 

Information from DOC regarding the process can be found by clicking http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2011/doc-invites-public-comment-on-proposed-monorail-concession/

The deadline for submissions on this application has also been extended to Monday 19 March 2012.

The rationale behind the concession decision should be downloaded from:  http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/notified-concession-applications/fiordland-link-experience-monorail-riverstone-holdings-ltd/

Fiordland Experience Link website (Riverstone Holdings Ltd / Infinity Group) http://www.fiordlandlink.com/

Monorail Fact Sheet and website http://fiordlandmonorail.info/

Information sheet and submission information from Southland Forest & Bird - click here

Other Press Releases of interest:

21 February - The Southland Times

"Tunnel response surprise for DOC" - http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6450978/Tunnel-response-surprise-for-DOC

20 February - The Southland Times

"Milford Tunnel submissions exceed expectations" - http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6448418/Milford-Tunnel-submissions-exceed-expectations

21 February
"Monorail sales pitch not a smooth run" - http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6451042/Monorail-sales-pitch-not-a-smooth-run 

17 February - The Southland Times

"Glenorchy community against Tunnel" - http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6434416/Glenorchy-community-against-tunnel

"Opponents fear tunnel disaster" - http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/life-style/6378685/Opponents-fear-tunnel-disaster

16 February 2012 - Otago Daily Times

"Tunnel submission response noteworthy" - http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/197922/tunnel-submission-response-noteworthy

9 February 2012 - Takaro Lodge 

Takaro Lodge invites you to a public picnic on Sunday 19th February from 11am onwards.

An opportunity to see where the monorail would cross the beautiful Upukerora Valley in Snowdon Forest.

8 February 2012 - Fiordland Advocate
"Monorail viewed form all sides" - http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/157.html

13 January 2012
"DOC grants extension for public comment on proposed Dart Passage and monorail concessions" - press release

20 January 2012 - The Southland Times
"Key backs extension on tourism projects" - http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6286651/Key-backs-extension-on-tourism-projects
  

30 January 2012 - The Southland Times

"Milford plans come under scrutiny" - http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6332738/Milford-plans-come-under-scrutiny  
 

Fiordland Advocate
"On the monorail trail" http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/153.html  

17 November 2011 - Fiordland Advocate
"Tunnel Vision" - http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/146.html