‘Ruhr’ fears for north Waikato

Press, 6 September 1982, Page 4

‘Ruhr’ fears for north Waikato

PA Wellington The substantial coal mine development planned for North Waikato could turn the area into "the mini Ruhr of New Zealand." the president of Federated Farmers. Mr Rob Storey, has said. He called for guarantees from the Government that it would authorise an environmental impact report. This was needed before substantive work was undertaken. Mr Storey said the scope of the North Waikato development would not only be of concern to farmers and rural dwellers in the area affected, but to those in any area which might be used for coal mining. He accused the Government of proceeding with the Waikato project with "almost

indecent haste" after assurances for several years that the development was about 10 vears away.

"Rapidly changing planning requirements raise questions as to whether the planners are now any more certain of what the demand for coal is than they were in the past, where statements were given which have now been contradicted." he said. Mr Storey said the federation believed that appropriate compensation should be applied not only to the affected land owners, but for the rest of the rural district. The benefits of the mine should not. rest solely with Huntly. and more adequate guarantees should be given on the level of restoration ol land for production.