Media Statement

5 August 2013

This statement will appear in the 6 August 2013 issue of Central Hawkes’ Bay Mail.

An Open Letter to the Residents of Central Hawke’s Bay

YOUR SAFETY AND WELLBEING ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

We take very seriously the recent comments from individuals, community groups and the media, around the dam break analysis report and potential effects on the Waipawa community in particular.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council acknowledges your concerns, and I’d like to address these. I believe we’ve left no stone unturned in our approach to the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. From the impact of traffic, noise and dust during construction, to environmental effects, the social benefits for our communities and even the extremely unlikely event of a dam break – these and many other aspects have been part of our consideration, and will be subject to further review before any final ‘go’ or ‘no go’ decision is made.

Should the project proceed, the dam will be built to the highest international design specifications.

From early on, we’ve known that the Makaroro River site is near to a fault line. This has been the focus of extensive investigations. A key part of design and construction planning is to ensure that if a dam is built, it will meet the highest international design and safety specifications. Even following a major earthquake, the dam will be designed to flex, not fail. Council expects to make a final decision on the scheme next year. Before that – and when all the information relevant to this project is available – the entire community will have further opportunity to comment, and we’ll be seeking independent advice ourselves.

A venture of this scale is a major undertaking for any organisation and community. Understandably, it raises many questions. HBRC has undertaken this project to give our region a stronger future and to improve the overall Tukituki river environment. We’re working very closely with councils, agencies, landowners, community groups, iwi and individuals and will continue to do so.

Yours sincerely

Liz Lambert

INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

ENDS

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