Challenge Of Cubicle Farming Proposals To Continue

Sunday, 21 March 2010, 12:10 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

Environmental Defence Society Says High Court Challenge Of Cubicle Farming Proposals Will Continue

EDS has responded to an announcement from Southdown Holdings Limited, Williamson Holdings Ltd and Five Rivers Ltd that they are withdrawing their applications for effluent discharge consents for large-scale cubicle farming proposals in the Mackenzie Basin.

"The applicants confirmed on Friday that they intend to continue with the proposals," said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

"All that has happened is that they have abandoned their effluent discharge consents which apparently they will revisit sometime over the next couple of years.

"There is no indication that they intend to surrender the land use consents which they obtained from Waitaki District Council. Those consents and the related Certificates of Compliance cover the land use change and buildings required for intensive cubicle dairy farming.

"EDS is of the view that these approvals were granted unlawfully.

"Accordingly EDS will continue with its High Court challenge of those approvals.

"We are still awaiting a formal response from the district council and from the applicants to our statement of claim.

"Contrary to some media reports, the cubicle farming proposals are continuing albeit on a slower track," Mr Taylor concluded.

A proposed meeting between lawyers for the applicants and for EDS last Friday was cancelled meantime.

ENDS

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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.

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