Anti-Mining Activists Would Keep Kiwis Poor

ACT New Zealand Parliamentary Leader Hon John Boscawen welcomes news that two new proposed South Island coal mines could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy.

"Takitimu Coal has applied to the Southland District Council and Environment Southland for resource consents for its Coaldale project which could be worth an estimated $80 million in coal sales alone. That figure doesn’t even take into account the positive flow on effects of having such a major industry in the region”, Mr Boscawen said.

"In addition there is a second proposal for a coal mine on the West Coast that it is estimated would inject up to $200 million into that local economy. This is great news.

"Complaints by singled-minded-greenies such as Jeannette Fitzsimons that such projects should not go ahead because they will contribute to climate change, miss the real issue. One New Zealand coal mine will make will make no difference to global emissions – the reality is that coal consumers like China will continue to purchase and burn coal regardless of where it is mined.

"The decision for New Zealand is whether they buy our coal or Australia’s.

"While a balance must be struck between environmental concerns and raising living standards, all too often the environmental lobby gets its way. New Zealand has a floundering economy and masses of natural resources at its disposal; it is ridiculous not to use them,” Mr Boscawen said.