Straterra welcomes "far-seeing" proposal on conservation land

Posted in: Media Releases: Friday, 05 February 2010

Straterra welcomes “far-seeing” proposal on conservation land

Straterra, the industry body representing the natural resources industry, has welcomed the Government’s “sensible and far-seeing” announcement on mineral exploration on conservation land.

In his statement to Parliament, the Prime Minister revealed that the Government expects to act on some of the recommendations included in an upcoming discussion document and make significant changes to Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act relating to mining on crown land.

The document will recommend that some areas of Crown land be removed from Schedule 4 and some areas currently not in Schedule 4 be added to it.

Straterra Chief Executive Richard Michael said: “The Government has taken a sensible and far-seeing approach to this issue.

“It has recognised the need to balance New Zealand’s high conservation values with the economic value of minerals found in Schedule 4 lands, which has the potential to lift economic growth, create jobs and at the same time add significant value to the conservation estate. Mining and conservation are not mutually exclusive outcomes as some conveniently argue.

“We now look forward to the publication of the full Schedule 4 review and to the public consultation and debate that will follow.”

About Straterra

Straterra, which was launched in September 2008, aims to provide a united voice for companies working in the oil, gas, aggregates, minerals, metals and coal industries. The sector has annual revenues exceeding four billion dollars and exports of around two billion dollars. Independent studies demonstrate the potential to double these revenues and provide much needed employment in the New Zealand economy.