MP backs call to rank Sound SH1

BY CHERIE HOWIE AND CLAIRE CONNELL

Kaikoura's MP is backing the call for Queen Charlotte Sound to be considered an extension of State Highway 1.

But it's not a view shared by his government – so far.

Colin King's comments have also raised eyebrows from Mayor Alistair Sowman, who questioned why the MP did not speak up before a hearing into the Marlborough District Council's proposed navigation bylaws.

"I appreciate his support but would've rather had it before we went through the hearing process," Mr Sowman said.

Mr King said he would "do anything" to reduce the financial burden on commercial operators from the proposed bylaws.

The disputed draft bylaws have raised tempers in the commercial boating industry as members fight council moves to fund measures it says are vital to meet national safety requirements.

Previous lobbying by the council to secure government funding for the measures has been unsuccessful.

Mr King said he believed Queen Charlotte Sound was an extension of the highway, but his thoughts were not shared by the Government.

He had previously encouraged transport minister Steven Joyce to "take another look" at funding for the safety measures and would continue to do so.

Mr Sowman said he was thankful for Mr King's support, if belated.

"We certainly support him.

"This is a stance we've taken for some time."

The council had been lobbying the current National and previous Labour governments over the waterway's status for more than two years.

The latest push came during Mr Joyce's visit to Blenheim in October.

"There was no suggestion then that [the Government] would take responsibility."

Mr Sowman would not be drawn on whether he thought Mr King would be successful in his quest.

"I wish him well."

KiwiRail communications manager Nigel Parry said the issue was "a debate and discussion for Government".

However, he was "more than happy" to meet with Mr King to discuss the idea, which had been debated for a number of years, Mr Parry said. He did not want to comment further.

Cougar Lines owner Mark Evans, who is also a Marine Transport Association board member, said the council had lobbied the Government in the past, but had "got nowhere".

Mr Evans described the issue as a "can of worms" but supported the idea "for sure" that SH1 should include Queen Charlotte Sound.

"Then we could get central government funding for it, rather than lay it on the people of Marlborough like they are trying to do at the moment.

"You can't get from one island to the other without the ferry."

Strait Shipping, which owns the ferry company Bluebridge, could not be reached for comment this morning.

Mr King also told The Marlborough Express he agreed with commercial users that recreational boaties "are the problem" when it comes to safety in the Marlborough Sounds.

"In a perfect world you would charge the recreational users ... the reason why the council doesn't go after them is because they can't catch them."

- The Marlborough Express