Communities on the West Coast fear a ban on new mining on DOC land could devastate their economy and future. The minerals would be trucked along the Coast Road tourist drive (State Highway 6) to Westport for exportation. READ MORE:* Proposal to mine 'mildly radioactive' minerals alongside West Coast tourist road* Neighbour puts stake in the ground against 'towering' Summerset village* Company linked to ex West Coast council chair investigated for consent breachThe Grey District Council received eight submissions, all of which opposed the proposal. The Coast Road was not safe for high numbers of heavy vehicles, and nighttime trucking would harm Westland petrels, which crash-landed when disorientated by lights at night, they said. Joanne Naish/Stuff Barrytown is on the West Coast between Greymouth and Punakaiki.

Source: Stuff July 05, 2021 04:52 UTC