MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Quarry owners respond to criticismRepresentatives of Te Arai’s Lake Road Quarry have responded to criticism of their expanding operation by the Lake Road Preservation Society (LRPS). The Society is claiming the quarry, started by Dave and Sheryl Pacey in 1981, is in breach of its current Land Use Consent, has been damaging to the landscape, and that current application for Resource Consent to expand their operation considerably will destroy native bush and natural wildlife.
A quarry spokesperson said the consent application process was long and involved so was being handled by the company lawyer in accordance with Auckland Council requirements. Lawyer Greg Bradford responded citing section 104 (1) (b) of the Resource Management Act (RMA) which states: The proposal will not be contrary to the relevant objectives and policies of the Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in Part). In particular, there is also an expectation under this document within the policies and objectives of the Rural Production Zone that quarrying activities of this nature will be nurtured in view of the importance of a secure and sustainable aggregate resource. Moreover, the rural zones tend to be more liberal with land disturbing activities than other zones in recognition of the importance of this supply and the fact that quarrying normally requires extensive land disturbance for the extraction of rock resources. This aspect accords with the provisions of the rural zones in that they are considered to be “working zones” and can tolerate a higher level of disruption with respect to visual and amenity effects. Mr Bradford explained that Auckland is moving north and with it comes a greater demand for infrastructure, housing and other activities. In bringing more people to the area, lifestyle expectations of where they came from need to be tempered against the rural production nature already operating in the area they have moved to. Rural areas encompass different activities from urban areas. There is a balance between the two and there needs to be an understanding and acceptance of different views. He also points out the distinction between a quarry and an open-cast mine which can be misinterpreted. Present resource consent applications are governed by the RMA, not by what quarry owners or others want. The majority of quarry production in the Auckland region is subscribed for major infrastructure works already underway. That means demand now is greater than supply. Lake Road Quarry is historic having been in operation since 1981. They did not create the current demand but like any business are looking to grow to meet the demand for their product. In conclusion Mr Bradford said he would welcome sensible dialogue with LRPS representatives. |