Protest against mining ban on DOC land as last rail road bridge in New Zealand closes

Sunday, 22 July 2018

Communities on the West Coast fear a ban on new mining on DOC land could devastate their economy and future. (Video first published in July 2018)

West Coasters came out in huge numbers on Sunday to protest against the Government's plan to ban new mining on Department of Conservation land.

Around 5000 people turned out for the opening of the West Coast's new $25.8 million Taramakau Bridge.

The bridge, between Greymouth and Kumara Junction on State Highway 6, replaces the last rail road bridge in New Zealand.

Cabinet Minister Damien O'Connor had to face the wrath of protesters angry about a potential ban on West Coast mining as he opened the Taramakau Bridge south of Greymouth.

Labour's West Coast MP Damien O'Connor opened the bridge and acknowledged the locals had used the opening to raise issues.

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Coasters turned out in huge numbers to voice their anger.

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Protesters are worried the ban could gut the local economy and lead to an exodus from the West Coast.

'Without mining, this bridge wouldn't be possible. We need to continue with mining in order to construct key infrastructure around the country,' he said.

The protest against the ban on new mines on DOC land will likely have a major impact on the West Coast, where DOC administers about 84 per cent of the land. In 2016 mining contributed 12.7 per cent of the region's GDP.

Koriniti Stephens, four, was among those who turned out to voice their concerns on Sunday. Residents fear the move could threaten the prosperity of future generations.

Organiser and Grey district councillor Peter Haddock said 860 tonnes of coal was used to produce the steel for the new bridge.

'The rally was planned as a peaceful event which did not affect the opening celebrations of this important milestone as the last combined road rail bridge crossing on the West Coast,' he said.

'But [it was] planned as a show of solidarity against the undemocratic and non-consulted decisions by an unelected minister which, if enacted, will result in a massive downturn in the whole West Coast economy.'

The proposed ban would drive people from the coast and put 'further pressure on our ability as ratepayers to fund essential services', he said.

'The mining footprint on the West Coast is only 15sqkm compared to the total 3500sqkm of the West Coast. We are hard-working people who care about our land. We are leaders in restoration and rehabilitation,' he said.

A lobby group called Go West Coast has been set up to challenge the ban and call for access to stewardship land, which they say is DOC land that does not have high conservation values.

West Coast farmer and mining supporter Katie Milne said access to stewardship land is essential for farming and has brought 2000 jobs and $700m to the region.

'If it's done to us it must include us. It would have massive consequences for us all on the West Coast. Jobs will be lost and people will have to leave. I have a new grandson and I want for him, if he chooses, to live here in the future and not be forced to leave for lack of opportunity,' she said.

Westland mayor Bruce Smith said the proposed ban would also affect the Pounamu and lime industries.

He said the average mining wage was $114,000 but the average tourism wage was only $40,000.

A parade of more than 300 vehicles from businesses which would be affected by the ban drove from Greymouth to the bridge opening. Anti-1080 protesters also turned out at the protest.

Rail traffic will remain on the old bridge while a section of SH6 is realigned to accommodate the new bridge, which opened six months ahead of schedule.

O'Connor said the old bridge was an 'iconic part of the West Coast experience' that would be missed.

The combined road and rail bridge was the site of 25 accidents in the 10 years to June 2015, including a fatality in 2012.