18 February, 2004

Mapua saga proves value of RMA

Green Party MP Mike Ward has congratulated the Tasman District Council and Environment Minister Marion Hobbs for finally resolving the funding of the Mapua clean up.

The Ministry has agreed to cover the funding shortfall for the clean up of the chemical contamination at the former Fruitgrowers' Chemical Company property at Mapua near Nelson, in return for 40 per cent of the site being set aside as public open space

"While the delay has been distressing for the entire community and there are still some who have doubts about the process, the announcement from the Minister is welcome," said Mr Ward, the Nelson-based Green MP.

"That the original perpetrators of New Zealand's worst chemical contamination were able to walk away and leave the community to clean up is a disgrace that should make us all grateful that we now have the Resource Management Act (RMA).

"Port Mapua has become one of the region's most popular attractions and, providing the proposed car parking is discrete, the clean up, the removal of the mesh fence and the landscaping will more than justify the expense."

ENDS

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