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On Mining Proposals In Prime Minister's Speech
Environmental Group Comments On Mining Proposals In Prime Minister's Speech
EDS has responded to the announcements in the Prime Minister's speech at the opening of Parliament in which he addresses the potential for mining in National Parks and other Crown owned lands.
"We have still to see exactly what the government proposes when it releases a discussion paper on mining later this month or early next," says EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.
"Our expectation is that government will call for public comment on its proposed changes to Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act. So this is presumably not a done deal but one in which minds are still open to public feedback.
"EDS does not oppose mining on all Crown owned conservation land. It's a question of limiting mining to lower value areas for nature conservation and continuing to protect higher value areas.
"So let's see the detail of what is proposed and assess at that time whether it's reasonable or not.
"There were actually 2 new things in the Prime Minister's speech.
First, he expressly contemplated that some areas of conservation land not currently protected by Schedule 4 might be afforded that protection. That demonstrates that the review isn't just one-way traffic - taking land out of protection. That is welcome and I look forward to seeing the new areas for protection
Secondly, he announced a proposed Conservation Fund from royalties on Crown minerals. This appears designed to create a net benefit from any mining with the funding going into conservation projects.
"Provided it is new, additional money for conservation, and not a replacement for cut baseline funding, it is a good idea. But it must be designed in such a way that it doesn't create perverse incentives for decision-makers to lower environmental standards.
"Finally, if more Crown land is to be opened up to mining we will be relying on the Resource Management Act to ensure that it's undertaken in an environmentally acceptable way. So further weakening of the RMA should not be contemplated," Mr Taylor concluded.
ENDS
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
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