Drive, perseverance, two million dollars and above all exceptional public-private partnerships saw the Tokoroa Road Rail Terminal officially opened today.
Addressing around 100 invited guests from large corporates, potential investors, existing and prospective customers Mayor Neil Sinclair reiterated why it was easy for the South Waikato District Council to get involved in this project.
"With our central road and rail links, proximity to the Ports of Tauranga and Auckland and strong skilled workforce base this initiative ticks all the boxes," he said. "A key Council strategy is to grow our economy by taking advantage of economic opportunities that will foster more industrial and business development and create more jobs for our people."
The project was driven by locally owned and operated logistics business RJ Lincoln, partnered by South Waikato District Council and Kiwirail and supported by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
"The potential for this development is almost unlimited," said RJ Lincoln General Manager Gavin O'Donoghue. "Tokoroa is extremely well located to offer logistic solutions for both importers and exporters. We are centrally located for any end-destination North Island-wide for imported goods. And for exporters within the greater Central North Island we now offer a combined solution direct to two of New Zealand's major ports, Tauranga or Auckland. This presents opportunities for existing businesses both big and small. The Tokoroa Road Rail Terminal is a modern logistics solution that ticks all the boxes for exports or imports."
Mayor Sinclair paid tribute to RJ Lincoln's Owner Raymond Lincoln and General Manager, Mr O'Donoghue for their passion, leadership and commitment to the South Waikato.
"A lot of time is spent on talking, writing, reading and planning," said Mayor Sinclair. "It is business leaders like Ray and Gavin who get the 'doing' done."
Representatives from NZTA and Kiwirail, Harry Wilson and Steve Muir were equally supportive and excited by the project; and the Honourable Louise Upston echoed sentiments, commending the partners for boosting rural small town New Zealand, before cutting the proverbial ribbon.
The Tokoroa Road Rail Terminal includes a rail siding, hardstand area, local road connection and container loading and unloading facility that will be managed by RJ Lincoln under a public-private partnership agreement with Council that will ensure the facility is open to all businesses to use for export and import containers. RJ Lincoln is a locally owned and operated logistics company that has outgrown being able to operate from the rail facility at the nearby Kinleith mill site. Efficiencies, cost reductions and growth are now possible due to the development of this new inland freight and distribution hub. Ends: words: 405
