ARC surveys land for new business

Kumeu and Silverdale are among business developement areas considered by the Auckland Regional Council.

Studies show a need for new land near transport corridors for industries such as manufacturing, construction, transport and storage to provide for economic and employment growth.

Rodney District Council nominated 50 hectares for industrialisation in Kumeu-Huapai and 300 hectares in Silverdale.

Kumeu ranked high for labour, accessibility to major transport routes and rail, but low on access to ports, appropriate land features, potential for clustering with other similar industries and public transport.

The report ranked the area highly on ability to buffer adverse effects and infrastructure – something regional council Rodney representative Christine Rose disputes.

"The report did not look at community or environmental considerations so it only shows part of the picture," she says.

Silverdale ranked highly for accessibility to major transport routes, and to complementary or supporting land uses.

It ranked relatively low for proximity to ports, infrastructure and public transport.

"The report from the ARC reviews a small number of potential business sites against a set of criteria. It is not an exhaustive list of potential business sites across the Auckland region," Rodney District Council planning manager Peter Vari says.

- © Fairfax NZ News