Newsletter #10 December 2007
In this edition:
Sediment Control Workshop
Minerals Industry
Representation:
where to now?
Sediment Control Workshop
Awareness of the importance and value of biodiversity and the need to protect natural ecosystems nationally and regionally is increasing. This is particularly so on the West Coast where there are some of the least-disturbed and most extensive mountain to sea natural environments remaining in the country. It is with this in mind that contractors, farmers, developers, miners and regulators got together to share ideas about sediment control issues and practices employed in the region.
After a particularly slow start and little interest in the event, a late run in registrations swelled numbers to just over sixty for the jointly hosted Minerals West Coast, West Coast Regional Council sediment control workshop held at the Grey District Council offices.
Presentations from the WCRC set the overall regulatory environment and why sediment control is important, Mark Allan from Eliot Sinclair provided an overview of issues and controls encountered and found successful on large developments. Michael Kingsbury and Ashley Shadbolt from SENZ shared the results of extensive work undertaken at Stockton on both plant types and mulching products and mixes to control erosion and sediment generation. The practices and results stimulated good discussion and ideas that could be applied across a range of situations. The morning’s discussion concluded with a suggestion that a West Coast Sediment Control guidebook might be the best way to capture and spread the word about successful practices. This will be followed up.
Following lunch the day concluded with a field trip to the Kaiata Park development to view the problems encountered there and methods being
employed to manage discharges generated by the extensive earthworks over a period of months. Thanks to Kaiata Park for making this opportunity available and to Jason for hosting the group. Efforts now will move to working through the tasks involved in putting the sediment control guidebook together.
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Minerals Industry Representation: where to now?
At a recent industry gathering in Wellington Solid Energy CEO Don Elder voiced what many in the industry have been thinking for some time: we are a major economic force in New Zealand, not well understood by politicians, media or the public, and often the subject of vexatious myths and exaggerations.
The minerals industry, including metals and industrial minerals, coal and petroleum, is a critical component of New Zealand’s economy. With annual production value well over $3 billion, and significant potential for growth, the industry is a major driver and supporter of national wealth and prosperity. Most minerals commodity values have more than doubled in the past decade and are projected to continue increasing.
However the industry’s contribution is undervalued politically and publicly. Its potential is unreasonably restricted by a range of issues that are driven by perceptions rather than facts. Our image and representation is poor. We face significant (often misinformed) pressure group opposition and we are easily marginalised.
In addition we face many issues and objectives that are common across all sectors. These include a lack of access to resources, challenging environmental issues and standards, new sustainability expectations
A clear answer to almost every issue and challenge facing the minerals and petroleum industry is to rationalise and better coordinate, but at the same time strengthen and better resource, its national level industry representation.
It is time for change if the industry is to perform to its potential for the benefit of all New Zealanders. In advocating a case for change the objectives and outcomes sought must be clearly understood and agreed by all affected.
Don Elder went on to suggest that our goal should be to develop more effective and visible national representation and advocacy for the industry to deliver long-term sustainability and growth. A steering committee representing all four current national associations has been convened to progress the proposal following feed back from these associations members has been obtained.
The ‘07 year is drawing to a close very quickly. MWC office will be closed from 21 December until 21 January 2008. MWC wish all a merry and enjoyable Xmas and safe festive season. Catch you in the New Year.
Keith Brodie
MWCT Project Coordinator