Coromandel mining plans threaten Thames

Plans to open up a protected area above Thames to mining threaten the security of the entire township, Green MP Catherine Delahunty said today.

GNS Science released a report in 2006 cataloguing the risks to Thames Township and its hospital from debris-flows and flooding.

“It is unthinkable that John Key’s Government would knowingly increase the risk to lives and property out of greed, especially when the main beneficiaries will be foreign mining companies” Ms Delahunty said.

“If they had done the most basic homework they would know that these hills and the streams above the Thames Township are prone to heavy storm damage and that the town is already at risk.

“The costs of cleaning up damage from weather bombs in places like Matata and Te Aroha have been long term and borne by the taxpayer. Why would John Key knowingly put another community at even greater risk?

“The stewardship land has a vital role in these catchments which is protecting downstream communities, restoring stability to the land and increasing biodiversity.

“This is another example of the Prime Minister’s Orwellian logic that we need to destroy something in order to save it.

“What part of ‘no’ doesn't the Minister understand,?” Ms Delahunty said.


Link:
The Potential For Debris Flows from Karaka Stream at Thames
M.J. McSaveney, R.D. Beetham. GNS Science February 2006
http://www.ew.govt.nz/Publications/Technical-Reports/The-potential-for-debris-flows-from-Karaka-stream-at-Thames-Coromandel/