The Lower Waitaki River Management Society yesterday
confirmed it would go ahead with its Environment Court appeal
against Meridian's $900 million North Bank tunnel concept
power scheme after mediation last week failed.
It was the last of five appeals before the court, due to be
heard from June 22 in Oamaru and Christchurch, after four
other appellants either withdrew or decided not to oppose the
scheme.
Society chairman Bill Penno said his committee and Meridian
met last week to see if issues could be resolved.
"We have sent Meridian a reply to their proposals after
considering them at length.
We have indicated to Meridian we do not think it is worth
continuing with further discussions," he said.
Mr Penno said Meridian's proposal and the sheer amount of
water it needed went against the basic objective of the
society - to protect and enhance the lower Waitaki River.
"There are still important questions to be asked about the
effect of the proposal on the sustainability of the river
system.
"The fairest way to do that is to go to a hearing at the
Environment Court," he said.
The society was preparing its case to the court and expected
to call nine expert witnesses.
"It is a David and Goliath situation, but it is important we
indicate quite clearly what we believe should happen."
The society has a $40,000 grant from the Ministry of the
Environment's legal fund along with donations to help pay for
the appeal.
However, it would welcome further donations, Mr Penno said.
Meridian wants to build a power scheme on the lower Waitaki
River between the Waitaki dam and Stonewall.
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