'Quake Outcasts' slam compo offer extension

A group of red zone property owners battling the Government for fair compensation has slammed an extension for them to accept the Crown's offer.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority announced yesterday red zone residents who meet "specific criteria" would be able to request an extension date by up to six months.

CERA said the extension criteria was developed in part after the authority hosted four workshops for red zone flat land property owners last week.

CERA chief executive Roger Sutton said hearing more from affected residents at the workshops had been helpful.

But the Quake Outcasts group - 40 owners of vacant land and uninsured properties who want the Government to offer the 2007 rateable value of their land - said the extension was "half-hearted and insincere".

"There is absolutely no legitimate reason for the Government to rush people out of their homes when there is a severe housing shortage," spokesman Ernest Tsao said.

He said CERA's news release indicated the Government did not want to announce what it intended to do with red zone land until all residents were out.

"What plans are being hidden from the public that the Government considers it necessary to move people out and take over land ownership?"

- By Cullen Smith of The Star

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