Decision details

1.     To note the Gateway 5 Review report and approve the implementation of the respective recommendations subject to resources

2.     To continue with the mediation process

3.     Alongside this to provide where resources allow:

·       A financial analysis of the costs of keeping Floating Bridge 6 over the potential 25-year lifetime of the vessel compared with the previous profit-making FB5 and a potential new, well-performing FB7.  This would include a detailed assessment of an alternative (new) vessel provision, with a forecast, before any further assessment of whether Floating Bridge 6 can sustainably continue to operate.

·       An economic impact assessment of Floating Bridge 6, reviewing impact on local businesses including shops and mobile businesses as well economic depressors such as traffic, reviewing past, current, and potential future damage

·       A clear set of performance requirements for the Floating Bridge service, based upon the previous Floating Bridge 5’s performance in its best (peak) years as minimum standards for what is necessary for a good service which successfully helps the economy and is financially viable, in terms of frequency of crossings, availability, accessibility, efficiency, affordability and determine if Floating Bridge 6 can meet those requirements.

4.     To provide a further report to Cabinet upon the completion of legal mediation process and provide progress on the delivery of the recommendations within the Gateway review. In addition to make recommendations for further considerations and actions in terms of the existing FB6 vessel when considered against the viability of alternatives, such as a replacement vessel.