Aucklanders are being softened up for a compromise on two large wharf extensions which will still see the loss of harbour open space to Ports of Auckland, according to sources.
A secret briefing of Auckland councillors yesterday was presented with four “immediate options” to resolve the public outcry and stand-off between the council and port bosses over the extensions.
The options include allowing the port to proceed with the extensions and the council sticking to its guns for Ports of Auckland to down tools while a year-long port study is done.
But it is understood that councillors are being urged to accept one of two compromise options. The first is to go ahead with the eastern extension and reduce the western extension from about 92m to 40m.
The second compromise is to only build the eastern extension and wait for the port study and new planning rules in the Unitary Plan before considering the western extension.
Mayor Len Brown did not respond to calls, but issued a statement saying councillors had been briefed by chief executive Stephen Town and legal advisers on options.
“I have asked councillors to stay at the table and to consider their options carefully. It’s likely that the issue will be formally discussed at the governing body meeting Thursday,” Mr Brown said.
Earlier this month, Mr Brown said he was with “most Aucklanders” on port expansion, saying there was an absolute limit on how far the port can go into the harbour.
One councillor told the Herald the council is likely to go with a compromise which the public will not like.Another source said councillors were being primed to accept one of the two compromise options.
