Media statement
For immediate release
4 February 2009

Dunne: Coast’s 1080 water supply concerns must be upheld

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne is disturbed at the Department of Conservation and Animal Health Board’s continuing willingness to aerially drop 1080 poison around West Coast water supply catchments, despite strong local opposition.

Mr Dunne said he was encouraged by the strong position taken by the Westland District Council and the people of the West Coast.

“The council has obviously taken the wishes of its constituents on board and has courageously voted to oppose aerial 1080 applications around drinking water catchments.

“Dumping this dangerous poison near a public water supply is highly irresponsible. The temperature of the water catchments, even in summer, is far below that at which the poison dissolves – and that is by DoC and the Animal Health Board’s own analysis,” he said.

Mr Dunne said that it was astounding that both organisations maintain that it is safe to drop 1080 near public water supplies year-round.

“I would still like to know why ground application and bait stations could not be used where public water supplies may be jeopardised,” he said.

“For too long central and local government have had to kow-tow to pressure from DoC and the AHB. Perhaps the West Coast has set a precedent which other regional authorities and even central government can follow.

“UnitedFuture opposes aerial application of 1080 unless it is in areas where successful ground baiting operations can’t be mounted, and where it is far enough from population centres to present no danger to the public,” Mr Dunne said.

Ends

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