Mining on Great Barrier an outrage

23 March 2010

Government plans to open Great Barrier Island up to mining are an outrage, said ARC Chairman Mike Lee today.

“Mining is a highly disruptive activity.

“When mining happens on private land, that is an issue in itself but for the Government to allow it on publicly owned conversation land, that is just an outrage.

“Sitting in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, Great Barrier is a key feature of an area of national – indeed international – importance.

“Mining on Great Barrier is not allowed for in the Auckland District Plan. It would also be in breach of the Regional Policy Statement, which lists the Hauraki Gulf and its islands as an area of significant natural heritage value.

“It would appear the Government has not thought through mining on the conservation estate on a number of levels, not just the public outrage.

“Let’s hope the Government re-thinks what it is proposing before it is too late. Decades of progress – nurturing and protecting New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna, and enhancing our international reputation – are at risk of being wiped out.”

ENDS

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