Rolleston freight hub plans welcomed by Fairfield

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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”.