13 September 2010

Open Day at rehabilitated Wangaloa coal mine

The public is invited to an Open Day at the former Wangaloa opencast coal mine near Balclutha, on Sunday, 26 September 1pm to view work being done to create an ecological and recreational park.

Resources company Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd, which is responsible for managing the rehabilitation of the former State coal mine, has reached an agreement with Kaitangata and Districts Promotions Incorporated (KDPI) to develop a plan for the future of the park at the former mine site. Solid Energy has already carried out extensive rehabilitation of the former mine site but is keen to further enhance the area.

Solid Energy is providing funding of $100,000 spread over five years for KDPI to oversee the installation of fixtures, ongoing development and maintenance. Some ideas for the park include car parking and vehicle turnaround area, fences, walking and mountain bike tracks, board walks, handrails, fencing to limit vehicular access, a permanent and self-contained toilet, and picnic tables.

Providing a vital link to heritage and mining history by preserving and retaining mining relics and points of interest; and increasing focus and protection on birdlife would also be considered.

The Open Day gives community and stakeholders a chance to find out more about the project and see how they might contribute in naming the park, coming up with new ideas, and giving vital feedback on rehabilitation work completed to date.

KDPI spokeswoman Jean Proctor says “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Solid Energy in this exciting ongoing development which is a fitting follow-on to the very successful four-year Kaitangata Black Gold Community Development Programme.
“Future potential to include specialised recreational facilities like abseiling, group camps and confidence course training are very viable possibilities. By giving the community the opportunity to take part, I feel sure we will come up with the enthusiasm and skills required to make it happen.”

Solid Energy Environmental Management Officer Dave Thomas says the rehabilitation work carried out at the old Wangaloa Mine project is a great opportunity for the local community to have a say on an area that has the potential to be an important community asset - a recreational area that the community could be proud of.

ENDS

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