News
Labour's mining policies a disaster for West Coast - 11/21/2011
West Coast-Tasman MP Chris Auchinvole is challenging Labour to come clean with the West Coast on its mining policy after front bench MP Maryan Street stated plainly Labour's opposition to mining on the Denniston Plateau and supported a moratorium on fossil fuel extraction.
"Labour frontbencher Maryan Street has let the cat out of the bag. Labour would shut down the West Coast's coal mining industry costing hundreds of jobs just like they shut down our forest industry when last in Government," Mr Auchinvole said.
The statements are recorded on a just released YouTube video on climate change from a public forum of candidates at the 1903 Square in Nelson. When asked, "Do you support a moratorium on new fossil fuel extraction in New Zealand?" Ms Street replied, "I am opposed to the proposals for the Denniston Plateau. That is something that doesn't need to happen. We need to be more imaginative than digging up what's underneath us…And I think a moratorium is a very good idea."
"The statements on the Denniston Plateau are a body blow for the West Coast. This mining proposal recently approved under the RMA by independent commissioners would create 424 new jobs in the next three years. This is the best prospect for jobs and economic development for the West Coast," Mr Auchinvole said.
"This announcement by Labour is particularly insulting after the job losses from the Pike River Mine disaster. The West Coast needs the jobs and economic development opportunities from this Denniston Plateau coal mine.
"The West Coast just cannot trust Labour on resource policies. They should have had the courage to tell the Buller people directly that they would block this mine rather than announce it to an urban green audience in Nelson. It is just another sign that Labour has abandoned its West Coast roots," said Mr Auchinvole.
Easter Suburbs get Government subsidy for sewerage scheme - 10/13/2011
Chris Auchinvole today presented Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn with a letter from Health Minister Hon Tony Ryall, giving provisional approval for a sewerage subsidy to help fund a combined sewerage scheme for Taylorville, Dobson and Kaiata.
“This is great news for these West Coast communities,” said Chris Auchinvole. “Taylorville, Dobson and Kaiata have been crying out for proper sewerage facilities for quite some time, and this subsidy will allow that scheme to go ahead with a greatly reduced cost to the ratepayers.”
“The Government subsidy of more than three million will pay for half the cost of the proposed scheme for the three communities. I would like to particularly acknowledge the council staff for the work they have done to secure this subsidy for the community. I understand Mel Sutherland and his team of council engineers worked hard to put forward a scheme which would be eligible for the subsidy, and would also be cost effective.”
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to personally present this letter to Mayor Tony Kokshoorn, and pass on my congratulations. The Grey District Council has progressed a number of sewerage schemes in the area in recent years, and are currently finishing the separation of water and sewerage in Greymouth. Tony is deserving of recognition for his unstinting advocacy for these communities over a number of years, and all the work he has done to bring modern day sewerage facilities to the Grey District.”
