Westport air testing not sinister
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Air monitoring in Westport by the West Coast Regional Council is simply to gather data and there is nothing sinister behind it, staff say.
A planning and science report to the Resource Management Committee this week said a survey of airborne particulates was now under way in Westport, with about 15 devices deployed around the township.
"Strong winds and vandalism have created minor disruptions, which has been overcome thus far," the report said.
"There are no compliance considerations with this spatial survey for individual households or councils under the National Environmental Standard for Air Quality."
The survey results would help the council to determine whether further monitoring was required, and where.
Monitoring of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide was also under way in both Westport and Reefton.
"These substances can be generated by a range of combustion processes," staff said.
Cr Laura Coll-McLaughlin, of Westport, said there had been comment on social media about the air quality project in Westport.
There was some "mixed community sentiment" about it and also suspicion there were "some ulterior motives".
However, she said it was positive the council was gaining baseline data.
Acting planning and science manager Rachel Vaughan said the council was required to monitor air quality.
Air quality monitoring would require a bigger body of work in future, while allowing for a transition in what local people could use keep their homes warm and dry, she said.
Reefton, which sits in an inland basin with typically still weather, has had ongoing air quality monitoring by the regional council for a number of years.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.7% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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