Three leading groups opposing the Westpower hydro-electric proposal for the Waitaha River claimed today a draft decision had already been made and called for it to be released before the general election in September.
The Department of Conservation has already approved in principle the concession for a run-of-the-river scheme that does not involve damming the river. A weir and diversion structure will be constructed at the upstream end of Morgan Gorge, at the head of the Waitaha Valley. A 2km access road, powerhouse and tunnel will also be built.
A submissions hearing was held November 2016, but the decision has not been announced yet.
Whitewater NZ, Forest and Bird and Federated Mountain Clubs all said today they believe the Conservation Minister should announce the intentions prior to the election.
"As a collective we have written to the Minister (Maggie Barry) requesting a decision," Whitewater NZ said this morning.
"From our perspective the facts on the case are very clear, and voters in the upcoming elections deserve to know if the current minister intends to abide by the purpose of the Conservation Act and prevent destructive hydro development from proceeding in outstanding wild places like the Waitaha."
The letter says the groups understand a draft decision has been made and forwarded to Westpower for their comment.
Its whitewater and wild and scenic values made it worthy of a Water Conservation Order, supported by Whitewater NZ and other parties, including the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
The granting of a concession to Westpower would be "completely contrary" to the prime purpose of the Conservation Act and the reason for which the land is held in the conservation estate, they wrote.
Doc declined to comment this morning.
- by Laura Mills
