Darryll Park joins quarry opposition

Christchuch mayoral candiate Darryll Park. Photo: Supplied.
Christchuch mayoral candiate Darryll Park. Photo: Supplied.
Mayoral hopeful Darryll Park has pledged his support for residents opposing the controversial Fulton Hogan quarry planned for Templeton.

But he does not believe he can stop it from going ahead if he is elected mayor.

Mr Park said going forward he will support residents through his experience against the Yaldhurst quarries.

He told Western News his involvement going forward will be supporting residents through his historical Yaldhurst experience which has “delivered advantageous” outcomes on quarries in the past.

It comes as the Templeton Residents’ Association are preparing their verbal submission for the upcoming hearing next month on Fulton Hogan’s 170ha quarry for Curraghs, Dawsons, Jones and Maddisons Rds.

The consenting conditions residents would like to see if in “the worst case” the Fulton Hogan quarry is approved will be included in the TRA’s submission.

TRA treasurer Jolene Eagar said it is about preparing for the best and worst-case scenario.

“We want the application declined but should the commissioners decide to approve the application we want to make sure we have the proper conditions in place that will ensure the community and environment is protected,” Mrs Eagar said.

“He (Darryll Park) was quite keen to help us with some advice around that from his previous experience with the conditions,” she said.

Mrs Eagar said Mr Park has told the residents he does not want the quarry to go ahead in Templeton because he understands as a Yaldhurst resident what it is like to live near a quarry.

Mr Park said he is committed to supporting the community and wants to share his previous experience of being involved with quarry hearings as a Yaldhurst resident.

In the past, Mr Park, who is currently a Yaldhurst resident, gave evidence as a witness and in support of his neighbour John Payne at the Roberts Road Waterloo Business Park quarry hearing, due to his lifestyle block being two properties removed from the site.

He also instigated former Selwyn MP Amy Adams and Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods to attend an on-site Roberts Rd meeting which ensued a meeting with the city council’s mayor’s office.

Mr Park is selling up to move from his Yaldhurst lifestyle block into the CBD.

Mrs Eagar said it is important residents get support from Mr Park if incumbent mayor Lianne Dalziel is not re-elected.

Mr Park also clarified with the residents his friendship with Road Metals managing director Murray Francis’ late father Stan which dates back 40 years.

He said he knows Fulton Hogan general manager Craig Stewart in his relationship as his lifestyle block in Yaldhurst is two properties removed from the Fulton Hogan quarry on Pound Rd.

“I have been involved in hearings against these quarries and acquaintances play no part in my role in challenging them in getting the best result for me and the community I’m supporting,” he said.