By ELIZABETH BINNING
A report outlining a draft compensation deal for Waihi residents living on unstable ground will hopefully reach the Government within three weeks.
Hauraki Mayor Basil Morrison said the report was likely to contain findings from the Earthquake Commission and possible compensation solutions for residents told to leave their
unstable homes.
Mr Morrison has been acting for a group of Waihi residents left in limbo since the Underground Mines report was issued in August.
The report identified 174 properties as being at risk of collapse, and the council advised 13 families to permanently leave their homes.
The Government asked the Earthquake Commission this week to help with compensation research.
The Commission will establish the market value of the homes at a high to medium risk of collapse and investigate whether any of the homes can be removed from their sections, how much it would cost and alternative locations in Waihi.
However one couple, Bill and Ann Morgan, say they are not interested in moving their "dream" home.
"We want the money," said Mr Morgan.
"If we relocated, then we have got to start from scratch again and at our age we don't want to do that."
When the commission's report is completed, the council will meet affected residents to discuss the possible solutions.
Mr Morrison said a report would then be compiled and sent to the Government and mining company Waihi Gold for their consideration.
"We will need to find out the preferences of the people, then all of those things will be evaluated and go into a total package, which will be prepared for the Crown."
"I am hopeful that cabinet should have that by the week beginning the 14 of October."
Mr Morrison said he knew the compensation process was taking time, but there was a lot to be arranged.
He was confident of securing a deal similar to that offered residents when a home fell down a hole last December.
The details of that deal, paid out by the Government and Waihi Gold, remain confidential.
Exploratory drilling is continuing to find out if any other homes are at risk of collapse.
Mr Morrison said nothing untoward had been found, but the drilling was only half way through.
