Clifford Bay Ferry Terminal Relocation – Effects on Picton
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Clifford Bay Ferry Terminal Relocation – Effects on Picton Business and Community Initial Report This initial report is the result of a survey put out to Picton business owners and managers in response to concerns in the business community about the Clifford Bay Ferry Terminal Proposal. It was felt that the Picton business community had not had the opportunity to have input into the investigation to move the ferry terminal, and this is an attempt to collate and communicate that information prior to any decisions being made. Sarah O’Bryan Picton, New Zealand 2 4 / 1 / 2 0 1 3 Introduction The information contained in this report is the result of a survey conducted of local Picton businesses between December 22nd 2012 and January 22nd 2013. Upon discussions with many business managers and owners in the local region, it became apparent that many people felt that they had not had the opportunity to give feedback to the Government on the proposal to move the ferry terminals to Clifford Bay. Considering the magnitude of the potential effects of the move of the ferries out of Picton, many people were rightly concerned that this investigation and decision was being taken without full information, or concern, or even appreciation for, locals’ views. As a result, I initiated a survey of Picton Business Group members, as well as non-members that attended a meeting organised by the Picton Business Group on the 19th of December 2012. The survey was conducted anonymously, unless identifying information was expressly and voluntarily given by respondents, in order to elicit honest feedback and to protect businesses that see negative business effects from potential declines in saleability and value. 27 completed responses were received in the initial survey period. Although I have strong views on the proposal, and in particular the process by which the Government is investigating the viability of the proposal, this report has been put together with a focus on impartiality and with whole and complete responses from the Picton business community, with no interpretation or bias applied to the responses. I don’t pretend to be a Statistician, so the information contained within this report is essentially organised raw data. No funding was required nor received from any party for the preparation of this report. I am pleased to be able to present this report, in order to assist with the understanding of the effects on Picton businesses and the wider community of the proposal to move the ferries to Clifford Bay. Sarah O’Bryan NZDipBus NZIMDipMgt 1 Page Industries Represented Port & Maritime x 1 Tourism & Guiding x 4 Accommodation x 11 Building Supplies x 1 Retail (excl Food & Beverage, Grocery) x 2 Body Corporate x 1 Communications, Advertising, Promotions & Publishing x 2 Water Transportation x 1 Food & Beverage x 2 Real Estate & Property Management x 1 Banking & Financial x 1 2 Page What positive effects on the Picton Community do you foresee if the ferries move? “A chance for the town to grow as a destination” “None unless a substantial development fund is received from the government” “None that we can foresee in the foreseeable future.” “I do not see a positive effect” “None” “Less maintenance of roads required because of the significant fall in traffic using them” “Rates will decrease relative to Blenheim because property values will drop” “The move to make Picton a holiday destination will be positive for the tourism sector. Summers could be busier, Winters slower “ “For those Pictonites that remain it will be a more balanced lifestyle from the extremes between holiday season and the rest of the year. Both Yacht clubs will be able to enjoy setting race courses without interfering with Ferry schedules. Picton Harbour will return to a recreational area. Port Marlborough will be able to create a marina at the ferry site and if the railway move their land could be for residential development with canal ways.” “None during the immediate announcement. Perhaps it may allow development of the Picton area if substantial 'sympathy' funds are given from the Government. However this money would have to be handled in Picton NOT by Marl District Council or Destination Marl.” “I see no positive effect at all - I believe Picton would become somewhat of a ghost town as businesses here are already struggling to cope with other problems such as the global financial situation (far less tourists). It would be a town full of empty buildings which would not attract domestic or foreign tourists - and one of our main markets Wellington would disappear. I do not believe you can become a 'destination' without having a major transport link. The train would certainly no longer come to Picton or probably Blenheim and there appears to be little hope of major expansion of the airport. How are people going to get here?” “None” “We WILL become a destination, the mentality would change looking more into the future. It will make the promoters consider more options as a destination. Interislander would realise they are in the real world work wise and not keep employing old hands from Tourism New Zealand FRESH BLOOD WILL FLOW. Destination Marlborough will flourish with more business minded person involved. Picton Business group will fold and be taken over by The Chamber of Commerce which operate more professionally.” “Nil” “If Picton could join forces with a similar town with a different season there could be the possibility of moving a work force across. This would only suit the young, with no 3 family. The sounds will always be an attraction, but could be likely serviced from Blenheim.” Page “No Trains” “I can’t see positive effects” “None” “Possibility Navy relocate to fill void” “None” “Creation of businesses which do not depend on the ferry traveller” “No problem getting a car park!” “Truck and Train noise would cease” “Great retirement village” “New boat marina replacing the ferry terminal” 4 Page What negative effects on the Picton Community do you foresee if the ferries move? “Less tourists staying in Picton when ferries are delayed or cancelled” “Loss of jobs, businesses, schools, facility, standard of living. Reduction in property value” “Businesses and services closing -fewer tourists in the area = less revenue for the town. School rolls dropping. People losing jobs.” “It would be disastrous for all of Marlborough, Nelson and the West Coast” “Completely negative.” “A long period of unsettledness until the transition has taken place (many years)” “Downturn in economy, loss of jobs, businesses close, decrease in property values, businesses & property owners going into bankruptcy, decrease in population leaving mainly senior age bracket. Schools close, loss of services such as taxis & bus services. Shops close leaving a ghost town effect.” “Businesses will close in the medium term” “Services are likely to reduce also” “Fewer employment opportunities overall” “Loss of population” “School and business closures” “Loss of medical services” “The business community will suffer and there will be closures and loss of employment. Families will move out. Picton will continue to grow as a retirement area but the community make up will be unbalanced with sports and community groups losing numbers especially the young. The commercial centre of town based around the Mall and library will continue but Lower High Street will lose some cafe's and tourist type shops. Accommodation facilities will suffer without the summer peak.” “Resident confidence will be at an all time low for many years thus affecting all aspects of the community.” “I think in all probability we would lose many families who work for the involved companies, we would lose all the car hire companies and possibly a lot of the services in town ie post office, banks, supermarket, schools. This would make it very difficult for the high number of retirees we have in Picton. I also worry that to compensate for the loss of income in the area we may end up with the sounds full of aquaculture. If I could see any sense in this proposal I would not be so opposed. Unfortunately we as a community are being excluded from a decision making process that profoundly effects our families, businesses & community. Not only are they talking about destroying a 5 Page pristine area of coast but perhaps destroying the vibrant port town of Picton in the process. I worry that our current government seems to forget they are an elected body.” - Melissa Kellie “Picton will become a tourist backwash. People will only visit for a purpose eg Queen Charlotte track. Day trips on ferry from Wellington will cease. School camps will become too expensive for families to afford. Educational groups are a big part of the shoulder season business. Weddings rely on easy access to the Sounds properties for guests.” “None of ther than coming from those that feel insecure about the town and themselves. This place Picton should go off think future not past.” “Families on the benefit, not able to get work and no money to spend at the local shops” “A very quiet little town with little infrastructure to keep people here. It may be even hard for the elderly to stay as there will be little on offer to help this age group also.” “All items listed above - the town would go further into recession before finally making a recovery after about ten years - too late for the majority of businesses” “Loss of Population and services for those that do remain” “Total disaster on the Business community which will than impact on the rest of our town.” “Without the proven tourist numbers, no new ventures would begin.” “Bad weather happens. How big would the disaster be when it happens in windswept Clifford Bay?” “A reduction in services such as banks, shops, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers and real estate offices.” “Job losses and reduced incomes.” “A reduction in property values.” “Short term adjustments to the business type and number” “Loss of businesses, bank, accommodation, schools, amenities.