Government Buckling To Green Extremists on West Coast

Sunday 13th Aug 2000

Ken Shirley

Media Release -- Environment

“I am very concerned that the Labour/Alliance Government is about to buckle further to ‘Green extremists’ and close down even more enterprises on the West Coast,” said ACT Deputy Leader, Hon Ken Shirley Not content with expunging the West Coast Accord. They are now seeking to exclude many permit holding West Coasters from accessing the public estate for coal and gold recovery, moss gathering and many other legitimate pursuits that sustain jobs on the West Coast. “It is also clear that ‘Green extremists’ are attempting to preclude access to the Pike River coal field project which will be surrounded by DOC land. “The Pike River coal project was specifically provided for under the West Coast Accord in 1985and was part of the compromise which enabled the formation of the Paparoa National Park and the placement of 80 % of the West Coast lands in the Conservation estate. “We have seen the destruction of the timber processing and forest management jobs and now it seems the Government will close down other viable enterprises by denying access rights. “How many more jobs are going to be lost on West Coast before the Government stops buckling to ‘Green extremists’? “I challenge Jeannette Fitzsimons, Rod Donald, Helen Clark and Sandra Lee to publicly assure West Coasters that they will support continued access to lands transferred from Timberlands West Coast Ltd, for permit holders to pursue their legitimate businesses,” said Hon Ken Shirley.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

© Scoop Media