Media Release

19-02-2013

Proposed District Plan Needs Serious Strengthening On Mining

Coromandel Watchdog is supporting residents to submit to TCDC’s Proposed District Plan against the deeply woefully inadequate restrictions on mining.

“Anyone can access, via our website, our guide to submitting as well as use our template submission to tell the council we want a mine-free Coromandel,” said Coromandel Watchdog Coordinator Renee Annan. “We are also hosting workshops next week in Whangamata, Tairua and Thames, alongside a Community Forum in Coromandel Town.”

“Watchdog would like to see the District Plan reflect the commitment the TCDC has made to ensuring the Coromandel is protected as a highly valuable conservation and heritage area rather than opening it up to mining.”

“There are some good policies and objectives in the plan that we encourage people to support but unfortunately they hold little weight while they are contradicted by the facilitative approach taken to mining – especially underground mining. The plan needs serious strengthening.”

“Mining is provided for in most zones and across the Outstanding Landscape, Natural Character and Amenity Landscape overlays – which should provide the most protection,” said Annan. “Of particular concern is the provisions for Mining Activities in residential, rural, conservation and coastal areas – leaving these areas vulnerable to situations like Waihi is unacceptable and will be challenged in the submission process.”

“Writing a submission can seem daunting but people have the opportunity to have a strong voice in decisions affecting the future of this special part of the world – visit watchdog.org.nz and attend one of our workshops, the Coromandel needs you!”

“Watchdog has a regular stall at the Thames market where people can fill in a submission or pick up a guide, so far there has been a great response and people have been very supportive and grateful.”

See below for details of workshops.

Workshop Schedule

COROMANDEL COMMUNITY FORUM
Date: Saturday February 22nd, 2014
Time: 10.00am-4.00pm
Location: Hauraki House
Hosted by CLAIM and other community groups

WHANGAMATA WORKSHOP
Date: Tuesday February 25th, 2014
Time: 6.00pm-8.00pm
Location: Whangamata Baptist Church, 301 Port Road, Whangamata
Hosted by Coromandel Watchdog in conjunction with Earthwatch Whangamata

TAIRUA WORKSHOP
Date: Wednesday February 26th, 2014
Time: 6.00pm-8.00pm
Location: Public Library, 2 Manaia Road, Tairua
Hosted by Coromandel Watchdog in conjunction with Tairua Environment Society

THAMES WORKSHOP
Date: Thursday February 27th, 2014
Time: 6.00pm-8.00pm
Location: Thames High School Library, Sealey St, Thames
Hosted by Coromandel Watchdog and local planner Graeme Lawrence

Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki
protecting the Coromandel Peninsula from mining
www.watchdog.org.nz

ENDS

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