Media Release: EDS appeals King Salmon decision

The Environmental Defence Society will today file an appeal in the High Court in Blenheim against the Board of Inquiry decision to allow salmon farms in areas of the Marlborough Sounds that are protected for their conservation and recreational values under the Marlborough District Council’s Plan.

“We believe that the Board of Inquiry’s decision is inconsistent with the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. That statement requires adverse effects of activities on natural character and landscape to be avoided in areas of the coastal environment with outstanding natural character or landscape values,” said Mr Taylor.

“The Board found that the Papatua (Port Gore) site was outstanding but then failed to protect it. We consider that was an error of law.

“The Board of Inquiry also failed to consider alternative options for zoning sites outside of prohibited areas. We contend that was a second error of law in the decision.

“The Marlborough District Council put together its plan, through an extensive public process involving the entire community, that set aside approximately half of the Marlborough Sounds for marine farming and half for conservation and recreation. King Salmon, through a private plan change, seeks to override this clear strategy for the Sounds.

The EDS appeal relates to 2 of the 4 approved sites: Papatua (Port Gore) and Waitata. Robert Enright at DLA Phillips Fox is counsel for EDS.

“We hope this litigation will clarify matters of interpretation that will ensure areas of outstanding natural character and our outstanding natural landscapes are protected,” Mr Taylor concluded.

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>>