Hon. Dr Nick Smith MP

National Party Environment Spokesman

10 June 2004

Ministers telling different stories on Dobson

"The Government must come clean and clearly state its position on the Dobson hydro scheme rather than having different Ministers saying different things," says Nelson MP Nick Smith.

"Minister and local MP Damien O'Connor told National Radio yesterday morning the Dobson scheme could proceed if the conservation benefits could be improved. Meanwhile, Conservation Minister Chris Carter has ruled out any consideration of the power station on legal grounds.

"The Government is speaking out of both sides of its mouth. It will help no-one.

"Trustpower needs to know whether the Government is open to a revised proposition with enhanced conservation benefits or whether, as Chris Carter says, it is a no-goer.

"This is a real litmus test for the Labour Party and its loyalty to its birth place.

"If it again rats on the West Coast, as it did on the Timberlands issue, it will lose the seat in next year's election as it did in 1990," says Dr Smith.

ENDS

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