25 Oct 2008

West Coast councils opposed to major dam plan

11:19 am on 25 October 2008

Councils on the West Coast have spoken out against Meridian Energy's proposal to dam the Mokihinui River, about 40km north of Westport.

The company is seeking resource consent to build an 85-metre high dam, which would create a 14km-long lake.

During public hearings held this week, both the Buller District Council and the West Coast Regional Council came out in opposition of the application, saying Meridian had not done enough to mitigate potential impacts of the dam on the environment and recreational activities.

However, the Buller Mayor, Pat McManus, says he's in favour of the dam going ahead, so long as the issues with the district plan are sorted out.