The wider Kaitangata community will this week study a draft contract paving the way to have the former Wangaloa open-cast coal mine vested back in the Kaitangata community.
Solid Energy, which owns the old mine, has spent more than $1 million redeveloping the 53ha site and hopes to create a public recreational area there but may still want to retain part of the area if good stocks of potential gas and coal reserves are found beneath the ground.
Kaitangata community co-ordinator Jean Proctor said the promotions group had been sent a draft contract, which would be the subject of a workshop at a community consultation meeting on Wednesday.
Although she declined to reveal what was contained in the draft contract, she did say ‘‘it looks very favourable and could be too good an opportunity to miss out on.''
The site includes native vegetation, geological and historic mining features, native birds, views, a lake, tracks as well as information panels, rest areas and toilets.
Plans for the public area include mountain-biking tracks and walking areas. The company finished mining there in 1989.
Mrs Proctor said a deal was possible soon.
