27 May 2005
Cypress mine shows shortsighted 'dig-it-up' attitude
The Cypress coalmine is an example of the shortsighted 'if it is there, dig it up, cut it down and catch it quick'
mentality, says Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
She was commenting after the Environment Court gave the mine near Westport the go-ahead yesterday.
"The Cypress mine is a classic example of the choice facing New Zealanders about the sort of country we want to live
in," said Ms Fitzsimons.
"The unique eco-system at Cypress is there because of the coal beneath it, the highly acidic soil is the basis of the
unique eco-system.
"What do we want, one-of-a-kind-in-the-world ecology or a pile of cash and a heated-up atmosphere from selling coal to
Japan?
"Cypress may be faraway and out-of-mind for most New Zealanders, but if this 'if-it-pays, dig-it-up' attitude keeps
going, only a few pockets of 'Clean, Green New Zealand' will soon be left.
"This mine may make jobs now, but the Environment Court's decision and state-owned Solid Energy's determination to push
ahead with this sort of export-driven destruction will mean that the grandchildren of today's Coasters will be living in
a wasteland.
"Compare that with the permanent jobs, sustainable economy and low environmental impact of the renewable energy
technologies advocated by the Greens," said Ms Fitzsimons.
ENDS