Bonny Glen hearing location an 'insult'

Soraya Peke-Mason

Soraya Peke-Mason has slammed a decision to hold a hearing on the expansion of the Bonny Glen landfill outside the district, calling it an "insult" to Rangitikei ratepayers.

Midwest Disposals Ltd, which runs the landfill near Marton, has applied for resource consents with Rangitikei District Council and Horizons Regional Council to expand the operation.

The Rangitikei District councillor was disappointed the hearings, which start tomorrow, would be held outside the district in Feilding.

"This is major for the Rangitikei and my ward has to live with this for the rest of their lives," Ms Peke-Mason said. Two pre-hearings were held in Marton last year where submitters could attend, but the real deal will be at Manfeild in Feilding, a 25-minute drive away in the Manawatu District. It will be held in front of independent commissioners. Ms Peke-Mason said it could stop affected residents getting along to the hearing. Her understanding is Manfeild was deemed to have the appropriate facilities.

"In my view, we have good facilities in Bulls that could cater for the needs of the hearing, at the same time allowing our affected ratepayers the short travel distance," she said.

"Almost quadrupling in size and five resource consent applications for land use, permission to discharge storm water to surface water, discharge solid waste, leachate and contaminants to land and contaminants to air is not to be taken lightly."

While she admitted the horse had bolted in terms of the location of the hearing, she had offered to assist with transport to the hearings by arrangement.

"It's my role as a district councillor to be pro-active," Ms Peke-Mason said.

The hearing starts tomorrow with Midwest presenting its case first. The hearing is set down for nine days.

Those submitters or interested parties who need transport to the hearings in Feilding can contact Mrs Peke-Mason on 027 270 7763 or 06 342 6838.