Media Release
10 October 2006

Environment Court Decision On Living Earth

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the Environment Court decision to allow Living Earth to operate its composting facility on Puketutu Island is disappointing for Mangere residents, but one the council accepts.

The council will not appeal the decision to the High Court.

“We’re going to work closely with Living Earth and residents to ensure this has as little impact as possible on the surrounding area,” Sir Barry says.

“The council had been trying to identify another site for Living Earth to set up on, but nowhere suitable could be found. We will continue to help in the search for a new site for the composting operation to move to when the 10 year limit on using Puketutu Island finishes.

“We don’t want to lose this type of green waste facility. If there’s nowhere for it to operate the waste will end up in landfills.”

Sir Barry says he hopes Living Earth’s proposed measures to avoid adverse effects on the environment will alleviate the concerns of residents and businesses in the area.

Manukau City Council is the authority for the land-use consent required for a waste management and composting facility, the associated buildings, and earthworks. The Auckland Regional Council is responsible for air, land and stormwater discharge consents.

ENDS

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