Airport bosses slammed over Tarras
Blowback against plans for a massive new international airport in Tarras continue with academics highlighting the financial and environmental risks.
A group of 79 researchers and scientists have penned a letter to the Prime Minister outlining their "significant concerns" over the project.
Christchurch International Airport Ltd wants to build the wide-bodied jet capable airport on land in the Central Otago farming community.
Last week, CIAL released more information about the airport, including the runway alignment and the fact it could have capacity for four million passenger movements (arrivals and departures) by 2050.
CIAL chief strategy officer Michael Singleton said the airport could be environmentally sound. He says its own research shows the demand is there, and if the airport is not built, tourists will come into the districts by road instead, travelling an extra 500,000 road miles by 2050.
James Higham, distinguished professor of sustainable tourism at Griffith University and honorary professor at the University of Otago, says the claims have only served to elevate the concerns of the group.
The letter says CIAL's public communication contains "imbalance, bias and predetermined view".
"Not only is their communication largely devoid of reference to rigorous supporting evidence, but many of its assertions and conclusions are contrary to scientific insight," it reads.
The group outlines six key "unsubstantiated claims or assumptions" which underpin the airport company’s report.
CIAL is ultimately owned by Christchurch City Council. The group is meeting with councillors later this month.
"In our view, the significant financial risks alone associated with this project are enough that it should be shelved, as those risks will ultimately fall on the people of New Zealand, and specifically our children and grandchildren.
"These risks include the burden which will come as the costs of carbon increase. But there are also others."
The letter, as well as details of the signatories and the research index, can be found at www.informedleaders.com.
