AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE

14 December 2005

Concept design captures configuration of new resource recovery park

The concept design for Waiheke Island's new resource recovery park presents a new range of opportunities for reducing waste to landfill and creating new jobs for Waiheke islanders, says Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard.

Waiheke Island's transfer station is being redeveloped into a resource recovery park to recover as much reusable and recyclable material as possible and avoid shipping it off the island to landfill.

Mayor Dick Hubbard says, "This facility will be one of the better-planned resource recovery parks in New Zealand and is a chance for Waiheke Island to be a leading example of resource recovery for the rest of New Zealand."

"It's a win:win project. The park will improve the environment and encourage sustainability through the reuse and recycling of as much waste material as possible. The park will also create new jobs through the opportunities presented by more extensive and thorough reuse and recycling operations."

Auckland City consulted with the Waiheke Island community on the proposed facilities and activities for the new park in October 2005. The proposals were met with enthusiasm and incorporated into the concept design, which shows where facilities and activities will be placed in the park.

Residents will now have the opportunity to comment on the concept design, which will be on display from Wednesday 21 December 2005 at the transfer station on Ostend Road and the Waste Resource Trust at Artworks, Oneroa. Comment cards will be available at both venues.

The park's facilities and activities, which are configured in the concept design, include:

- better facilities for recycling, such as a covered 'drop off wall' and a sealed parking area

- a store to sell reusable goods

- a sales yard for construction and demolition materials

- a repair shop for staff to repair reusable items

- a fully enclosed system for green waste, which will decrease odour and speed up processing time

- an education room for school visits, workshops, tours and industry training

- a café and gallery that displays Waiheke Island artists' works made from recycled materials

- making bio-fuel from used cooking oil to power the roadside collection trucks.

Gordon Hodson is a trustee of the Waste Resource Trust and a director of Clean Stream Waiheke. He is also a recent recipient of a 'living legend' award from Mayor Dick Hubbard for his volunteer and advocacy work. Mr Hodson says, "The park will benefit Waiheke Island for years to come. I hope that Waiheke islanders will make the most of this chance to play a part in this landmark project and tell us what they think about the concept design."

Waiheke islanders will have until Friday 27 January 2006 to comment on the park's concept design. Auckland City will take their comments into consideration when the park's design is finalised. Building work on the park is likely to start in mid-2006.

ENDS

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