Media Release

25 October 2002

FLOOD RELOCATION DELAYED, EXPENSES TO BE SHARED

Mike Warren, spokesperson for Global Sanctuaries, owner of the Black Sheep Lodge in Franz Joseph is relieved after Government announced a six month delay in plans to relocate the lodge in the face of a Civil Defence flood warning.

"We are very pleased the Government has given us a reasonable timeframe to organise the relocation without jeopardising the up coming tourist season," said Mr Warren.

"We are now waiting for Cabinet to ratify the agreement on sharing relocation expenses." At a meeting last Wednesday between property owners, the district council and government officials, a revised response plan was agreed to, ensuring the safe monitoring and evacuation of the south bank.

"We feel the revised response plan allows plenty of time for evacuation in the unlikely event of a flood," said Mr Warren.

ENDS

© Scoop Media