15 February 2013
Positive Environment Court Outcome Down To Local Contribution

We are pleased with the outcome of the court case where a landowner was today found guilty for his role in the chopping down of over a hundred trees and shrubs in an adjoining scenic reserve, said Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

“Council’s throughout the country develop and/or manage reserves within their areas as part of the public estate. The many reserves throughout Tasman, used and treasured by residents and visitors alike, are often the defining feature of areas that go to make up the attractiveness of the District.”

“Ratepayers contribute to this public good through rates and as such they have a great deal of ownership over the welfare of public space. The dismay and outrage expressed by residents and visitors about the chopping down of the trees within the Stephens Bay reserve was compounded when it was obviously preventable by the landowner. The Court’s findings are pleasing in this regard.”

“We thank the residents for their time and evidence which obviously played an important role in this successful outcome. They, like the Council, will be awaiting the Court’s decision regarding the sentencing. The Council is currently considering the options for restoring Anarewa Point.”

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>