A local Christchurch MP hopes the potential danger posed by fuel tanks at Lyttelton Port won't stop the development of a planned cruise ship terminal.
Tank farms seen from Brittan Terrace in Lyttelton. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
In a submission on the port development plan, oil companies are calling for a 250 metre exclusion zone to be put around the tank farm, due to safety concerns for about 30 nearby homes and the proposed terminal development.
Ruth Dyson Photo: LABOUR PARTY
Port Hills MP Ruth Dyson said Lyttelton desperately needed a cruise ship terminal to boost visitor numbers to the region and the local economy.
She said the proposed location, near the tank farm, has been on the table for some time and she feels the city council, regional council and the Lyttelton Port Company are failing to line up their plans.
No cruise ships have visited the city since the earthquakes put large parts of the port out of action.
The city council will start work on an urgent risk assessment, in response to the oil companies' concerns, on Friday.