Study Of Coast Resources

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32385, 26 August 1970, Page 26

Study Of Coast Resources

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 25. The exploitation of natural resources on the West Coast of the South Island is to be the subject of a study by a Government inter • departmental committee.

The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Shelton) announced the establishment of the committee today. He said in a statement that the committee would investigate, co-ordinate and recommend on major developments based on the use of the nab ural resources of coal, timber and ilmenite on the West Coast, and the provision of the necessary services. “In recent years there has been considerable interest expressed by private companies in the development of the West Coast natural resources. “Since the Government announced the decision to use natural gas as a fuel source for the New Plymouth power station instead of Buller coal, this interest has been intensified.

“Because of the size and the range of resources included in the proposed development, the Government will have to give very close consideration to the proposals to be received. “The inter-departmental committee will co-ordinate the work of various Government departments concerning the proposals, and will make recommendations to the Government” Mr Shelton said the Government was interested in receiving further proposals for the development of West Coast resources, and was particularly interested in proposals involving a degree of processing in New Zealand and providing for a. high level of New Zealand equity participation.