West Coast coal exports
Sir, — Mr Brand (Lyttelton Harbour Board) says in a recent report on his board’s expansion programme that “in Australia, coal was transported as much as 750 miles for export and therefore must be economical.” What an incredible statement when related to the local scene. Mr Brand should realise that in most Australian states rail systems run at a profit, that the coal rail lines have been built specifically to cart coal. Wide track trains carrying 10,000 tonnes each manned by only two men run up to 700 miles without interruption. Nor do they have to contend with Otira tunnel situations. Recent independent studies suggest an over-all savins of $12.50 per tonne should West Coast coal be exported via a West Coast port. Mr Birch is at present talking about exporting 2 million tonnes a year. This would represent a saving of $25 million a year. One can therefore not see the logic in continuing to rail this coal to Lyttelton. — Yours, etc., D. J. HARDIE. August 23, 1980.
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Press, 25 August 1980, Page 16
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172West Coast coal exports Press, 25 August 1980, Page 16
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