The final decision to develop the Waiareka Valley rests in Switzerland. Photo / Oamaru Mail
Critics have slammed a controversial decision to allow one of the South Island's largest industrial developments to proceed.
The final approval given by independent commissioners for Holcim New Zealand to build the $200 million concrete plant in the Waiareka Valley, in North Otago, is not only a blow
to locals opposing it, but also for the West Coast, where workers fear they will lose their own ageing factory.
If Holcim chooses to go ahead and build the one million-tonne cement plant, a limestone quarry, an open-cast coal mine, and a sandpit in North Otago, it will spell the end of its plant at Westport that employs 130 people.
The Waiareka Valley Preservation Society said the proposed North Otago plant would be destructive to the environment.
"It does not make sense in the 21st century to construct a million-tonne cement plant in front of a significant natural landscape, in a valley full of significant historical heritage for both Maori and Pakeha," said society spokesman Rodney Jones.
"So far this has been a local issue. But it will not stay that way."
Holcim New Zealand capital projects manager Ken Cowie said although approval had been given to build the North Otago plant, the company's board in Switzerland would have to decide whether to proceed.
He said the company had tried to deal with concerns raised.
"But I suppose you could say even if everything could have been done to the ultimate, we know we still would never resolve all of the issues."
Buller District Mayor Pat McManus said the loss of Westport's Holcim plant would be devastating in a town of only 5000 people.
Mr Cowie said the North Otago plant, if built, would employ up to 120 staff, some of whom could be workers who lost their jobs in Westport.
The Waiareka Valley Preservation Society plans to appeal against the commissioners' decision to the Environment Court.
