Media Release 20 September 2011

Residents Call on Minister to Show Leadership

Papanui residents welcome the announcement by Ceres that they will withdraw their application to establish an earthquake demolition waste processing plant in their neighbourhood.

Spokesperson David Moorhouse said "We now call on the Minister of Earthquake Recovery to show leadership, and the community invites him to consider establishing a site at an optimal location outside of residential areas of Christchurch. This should be close to a railway to facilitate transport of heavy material and avoid imposing more damage on local roads."

A temporary plant may be required for up to 10 years to process the huge volume of waste.

He added "CERA should prepare an estimate of the volume of waste and work out a safety and sustainability plan to ensure all waste is processed in an appropriate manner."

The community will proceed with Thursday's meeting at Paparoa St school so residents can find out information from independent experts in health, environment and planning issues.

Mr Moorhouse said "We acknowledge this work needs to take place but it is important that this plant should not be located in any residential community".

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