Brownlee and Key begin to set the stage for National back-down on mining

Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee and Prime Minister John Key have begun the task of setting the scene for a National Government back-down on mining in schedule four land in the Coromandel, Great Barrier and National Parks, Labour Conservation spokesperson David Parker says.

“Mr Brownlee’s claim this morning that the Government would push ahead with mining in conservation land is part of a campaign to prepare New Zealanders for the impending back-down,” David Parker said.

“The National Party is going to start working overtime to back away from their ill-considered mining plans.

“Given that mining companies can already apply for permits to mine in conservation land outside of schedule four and National Parks, the Government is clearly getting ready to revert to the status quo.

“I am sure Mr Brownlee and Mr Key will try and spin the impending back-down of mining in protected areas as listening to the people. The reality is the National Government got it wrong.

“Fortunately New Zealanders saw through their ridiculous plan and have rejected it wholeheartedly,” David Parker said.

“In the process of promoting mining on protected land the Government has exposed the fact that they do not have a credible economic plan to catch-up with Australia. The Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee has no other plan,” David Parker said.

ENDS

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