Submissions open for Canterbury landfill proposal
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The public will get to have a say on a controversial proposal to build a landfill in North Canterbury.
Christchurch firm Protranz Earthmoving Ltd has lodged resource consent applications with Environment Canterbury and the Waimakariri District Council to establish a managed fill landfill at its quarry at White Rock, near North Loburn.
About 100 White Rock and Loburn residents attended a public meeting in February and have since formed an incorporated society to organise their opposition to the landfill proposal.
Those concerns led to the Rangiora-Ashley Community Board making the decision in July to prepare a submission against the landfill.
Board chairperson Jim Gerard said at the time community board members had decided to stand alongside the local community, who were concerned about the risks to groundwater and the local Karetu River.
Earlier this month, the Waimakariri District Council approved $10,000 funding towards the community board’s submission, allowing it to seek professional advice, such as an independent planner, legal advisor or other technical expert.
The quarry will be for the disposal of building and demolition waste, and contaminated soil material.
The two councils have jointly notified the consents, with submissions closing on October 9.
Two consent applications have been lodged with Environment Canterbury for land use, water permits and discharge permits.
The application to the Waimakariri District Council is for vegetation clearance within waterway margins, earthworks for the formation of a managed fill landfill, a bridge structure within a waterway setback and increased rates of mineral extraction.
The company has also applied to operate a managed fill landfill, construction of stormwater outfalls, earthworks and material storage associated with quarrying and landfill construction.
The application includes an assessment of the environmental effects.
Protranz general manager Shaun Coakley said his company had requested the consents be publicly notified.
‘‘We knew the development of critical infrastructure such as a managed fill landfill would attract attention from the local community, hence our decision to voluntarily publicly notify.
‘‘Whether by providing additional information that clarifies their issues or collaborating to establish consent conditions that mitigate their concerns, we're committed to an open dialogue.’’
White Rock residents are planning to gather at the Loburn Domain at 9.30am this Saturday, to carpool into Rangiora for a protest.
The protestors plan to march through Rangiora, before gathering outside the council chambers.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16% Hmm, maybe?
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10.8% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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90.9% Yes
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9.1% No
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