Conservation groups attempting to spread panic

Conservation groups are blatantly attempting to incite panic in advance of the release of the Government’s stocktake of minerals on Conservation land, says natural resources industry group Straterra.

Straterra spokesman Chris Baker said that recent claims about the contents and intent of the review of land covered by Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act were “blatant scaremongering”.

“Claims regarding Thames township and other areas are clearly an attempt to create prejudice in advance of the release of the report,” he said.

“There was clearly public support for this review and for an exploration of the huge potential New Zealand has to use our natural resources to create wins for all of our economic prosperity, social well-being and environmental needs. To suggest that it is ‘either-or’ is misrepresenting the facts to the New Zealand public, who clearly already know better than this and will not be fooled by such silly statements.

“The report is due out soon and that will be the proper time for a comprehensive national debate on this issue, based on the full facts and not on inflammatory speculation.”

Mr Baker also dismissed claims by conservationists that Thames could be put at risk of flooding by mining activities.

“To suggest that communities could be put at risk is pure mischief making.” He said. “New Zealand already has robust regulations and processes in place, including the Resource Management Act, governing any exploration or mining activity and ensuring that communities and stakeholders have every opportunity to have their say on the conditions under which a project might proceed.”

About Straterra
Straterra, which was launched in September 2008, aims to provide a united voice for companies working in the oil, gas, aggregates, minerals, metals and coal industries. The sector has annual revenues exceeding four billion dollars and exports of around two billion dollars. Independent studies demonstrate the potential to double these revenues and provide much needed employment in the New Zealand economy.

ENDS

© Scoop Media