Fast-track projects fuel debates over West Coast’s future
Wednesday, 9 October 2024
A slate of fast-track projects to boost the West Coast economy has divided local leaders and environmental groups.
The four major projects involve expanded coal mining, a hydropower scheme, mineral extraction mining and housing.
On the West Coast - renowned for its stunning natural wonders, the Fast Track Bill allows an expansion of the existing mining site on the Buller Coal Plateaux plus supporting and extending current Stockton mine operations.
TiGa Minerals and Metals’ open cast sand mineral mine at Barrytown near Greymouth made the list, but had already received the green light after an Environment Court resolution.
The Fast Track Bill also revives a controversial Westpower hydropower scheme on the Waitaha River in Westland, scrapped by the last Government, which would generate enough electricity to power about 12,000 households.
Grey District mayor Tania Gibson told The Press the council welcomed TiGa Minerals to the area, calling the Barrytown project “a significant boost for the local economy”.
“TiGa’s Barrytown project will create 57 direct mining jobs, 80 support roles, and increase Grey District’s total exports by 46%, while generating $1.5 million a year in government royalties,' Gibson said.
She acknowledged “a very small group in the district” opposed the project but noted TiGa had addressed their concerns with substantial mitigations.
'Overall, the West Coasters are supportive of mining and what these industries bring to the coast,” Gibson said.
Buller mayor Jamie Cleine also expressed optimism about ongoing mining on the Buller Coal Plateau, emphasizing the economic significance of Bathurst Resources' Stockton coal mine.
'The Stockton mine has been a major employer and a key driver of our local economy,' Cleine said.
The Press reached out to Westland mayor Helen Lash and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae for comment but has not yet received a response.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae had previously joined the appeal in support of granting consent for the Barrytown sand mine.
Environmental groups, however, strongly oppose the projects.
Richard Capie, advocacy lead at conservation group Forest & Bird, pointed out the fast-track coal mining would be in an area “that is home to great spotted kiwi, weka, and kākā, all within such an amazing biodiversity.”
“It’s a really dark day for the environment, …and for democracy, a very dark day.”
Capie criticised the bill for prioritising “economic development over everything else.”
“Tourists come to New Zealand because of our outstanding natural beauty. They don't come to watch an open cast coal mine or gold mine,” he added.
Capie said the Waitaha hydro scheme was one of the ‘zombie projects’ that Forest & Bird had spent years successfully opposing in court.
“All the Government is doing with this [the Bill] is resurrecting those projects. There's a lot of anger out there.”
Megan Dimozantos, president of the Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC), called the revival of the Waitaha hydropower scheme 'outrageous,' especially given past legal rulings against it.
'Revitalising projects like these, despite prior rejections, is undemocratic and ignores the need for proper public scrutiny,' she said.
The Coast Road Resilience Group expressed alarm at TiGa's expanded project scope, now covering 635 hectares, more than ten times the original consent area.
Chair Katherine Crick warned this could turn the Barrytown mine into a long-term operation, placing a heavy burden on the small rural community.
She also highlighted risks to the endangered Westland petrel, which breeds near the site.
'Night-time industrial activity increases the chance of birds being distracted and crash landing. Long-term mining could have a disastrous impact on this vulnerable species,” said Crick.