Minister's Skewed View Of West Coast
Tuesday 8 Jun 2004
Ken Shirley - Press Releases - Environment & Conservation
ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Conservation Spokesman Ken Shirley today accused Conservation Minister Chris Carter
of looking through the wrong end of the telescope when it comes to the West Coast.
"While industries reliant on the conservation estate are important to the West Coast, a more vibrant economy would be
possible with a less strident approach to access and utilisation of natural resources within the conservation estate
occupying 82 percent of West Coast territory," Mr Shirley said.
"Minister Carter foolishly declined the proposal to upgrade the Arnold River power scheme at Dobson. This scheme would
have made the West Coast self-sufficient in electricity, obviating the need for a major transmission line upgrade
through the national park and enhancing amenity values and tourism appeal.
"Equally the Labour Government's reneging on the West Coast Accord has closed the sustainable forest management regime.
Sustainable forest management can be a tourism attraction in itself, along with woodcraft industries utilising high
value speciality timbers.
"Shantytown is a classic example of gold mining activities being an integral part of tourism. Similarly, the coal
workings at Denniston and Stockton plateaus - together with their rich histories - are potential tourist meccas.
"Mr Carter should lift his sights and - instead of smugly wallowing in the obvious appeal of conservation estate assets
- should be looking at what might be with a less dogmatic, and less rigid, conservation management regime," Mr Shirley
said.
ENDS