$900 Million Replacement Plan for Interislander Ferries Sparks Debate

Highlights:

• Proposed $900 Million Cost: Labour has suggested that the replacement plan for two new Interislander ferries could cost $900 million, sparking debate over budget allocation and vessel specifications.
• Smaller, Non-Rail Ferries: The new ferries are expected to be smaller and lack rail capability compared to the previously planned 220-meter vessels under the canceled iReX project.
• Government's Tight-Lipped Response: Finance Minister Nicola Willis declined to confirm details in Parliament, citing it was not in the public interest to disclose the information ahead of a formal announcement.

The replacement of two Interislander ferries may carry a price tag of $900 million, as suggested by Labour's finance spokeswoman, Barbara Edmonds. However, the Government has refrained from confirming the figure ahead of a formal announcement later this week.

Labour Questions Government on Ferry Costs
Barbara Edmonds pressed Finance Minister Nicola Willis in Parliament regarding whether the $900 million budget has been allocated for the replacement ferries. These new ferries would reportedly lack rail capability and be smaller than the 220-meter vessels initially planned under the now-canceled Interislander replacement project, known as iReX.

Finance Minister Willis declined to disclose details, stating, “I do not believe it is in the public interest to answer that question.”

Replacement Project Costs Under Scrutiny

The cancellation of the iReX project has prompted scrutiny over the size and features of the proposed replacement vessels. Labour has raised concerns that opting for smaller, non-rail-enabled ferries might compromise efficiency and long-term functionality.

As the debate intensifies, the Government remains cautious about revealing specifics, suggesting further details will emerge during the upcoming announcement.

Stakeholder Implications

At the time of writing, the uncertainty surrounding the ferry replacement project has sparked questions among stakeholders, particularly regarding the cost-effectiveness and future adaptability of the new vessels.

The transport industry and regional communities dependent on the Interislander service are awaiting clarity, as the decisions made could have lasting impacts on connectivity and economic activity.

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