Mighty River Power stands by call-in application
Mighty River Power (MRP) will not withdraw its application for a ministerial call-in on the proposed Turitea Wind Farm.
Last month, the state-owned enterprise received a request from the Palmerston North City Council, asking them to withdraw the application, which was sent to Environment Minister Trevor Mallard in August.
A call-in would see the resource consent process taken out of council’s hands, and instead referred directly to either a board of inquiry or the Environment Court.
A project can be called in if it is deemed to be of national significance.
As well as asking MRP to withdraw the application, the council also provided feedback to Mr Mallard, opposing the call-in, because it would limit the public’s ability to have a say.
But MRP has now said they will continue with the application.
MRP’s group strategist Neil Williams said the company still believed the call-in process was the appropriate way forward for the project.
“Opting for a call-in is about doing it once and doing it right, thoroughly, and with due consideration for all participants, which is actually in everyone’s interest.”
He did not believe the fast-tracked process would limit the public’s say.
“In fact, hearings by Boards of Inquiry in the call-in process have placed significant and successful emphasis on local participation to ensure this occurs,” he said.
Mighty River Power has offered to make a submission to the Minister, recommending significant emphasis be given to local participation.
Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor said it was disappointing MRP was continuing with the application.
“We believe the best method is for it to be dealt with by the council.”
But the matter was still in the hands of the Minister, and he was hopeful the community’s views would carry significant weight.
Councillor Michael Feyen said it was a continuation of MRP’s bullying tactics.
“They’re very poor partners to be involved with . . . they simply can not be trusted,” Cr Feyen said.
Leigh Dome, who lives within 700m of one of the proposed turbines, also said she was disappointed, but not surprised.
If it was called-in, it would make it very tough for residents to fight the proposal, she said.
The matter is now in the hands of Mr Mallard, who has promised a decision as soon as possible.
By Katie Chapman
9 October 2008
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