Rolleston freight hub plans welcomed by Fairfield
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The man behind the new freight hub in Mid Canterbury says he's not concerned by plans to build another hub 58km up the road in Rolleston.
Wareing Group director Mark Wareing said a second hub would have a positive impact on the Fairton site as it would be “complimentary” and increase the traffic volume along the rail line.
“It will strengthen it over time as more local freight moves interisland,” he said.
The Fairfield Freight Hub opened in April, in an $18 million development led by the Waring Group with funding from the Government and the Ashburton District Council.
Now a similar hub could be established up the road after the Selwyn District Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KiwiRail.
KiwiRail future state freight general manager Mark Heissenbuttel said Kiwirail and the council, along with other interested parties, are in early discussions on the establishment of a freight hub in Rolleston.
Location and costs are still to be discussed, he said.
“Inter-modal hubs use both road and rail transport, enabling trucks to complete the first and last mile of collections and delivery, and for rail to do the heavy longer-distance movements.
“KiwiRail runs some 30 services a day through the Selwyn District, including the crown jewel of our tourism offerings, the TranzAlpine.
“It’s an exciting time for rail in the South Island with the imminent arrival of the brand new low-emissions locomotives will boost KiwiRail in the South Island.”
With plenty to still work out around establishing a new hub in Rolleston, it was too early to speculate on any potential impacts on the Fairfield Hub, Heissenbuttel said.
Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton said the MOU marked a significant milestone for the district.
“This partnership will help enhance the flow of freight through Selwyn, strengthening our local economy and connecting us more effectively with the wider region."
The MOU includes closer cooperation between the two organisations to align the rail network development with the objective of Waikirikiri Te Kua Future Selwyn strategy.
Broughton said the strategy was a roadmap for the district for the next 50-100 years.
"We must plan our transport systems to accommodate future generations well”.
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Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
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Kmart duvet recall
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.
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