The Environmental Defence Society is calling on Forestry Minister Todd McClay to use his visit to Tairāwhiti this weekend to commit Government funding and urgent action to unlock the transition of the region’s most vulnerable forestry land.
“With cyclone season just weeks away, the Government should elevate its action to more than just a focus on Gisborne District Council responsibilities. Government needs to pull its weight as well,” says EDS Chief Executive Gary Taylor.
“GDC put the long-term clean-up costs of Cyclone Gabrielle at more than $1.2 billion. Leaving vulnerable forestry plantations and accumulated woody debris and silt exposed to another major storm is a recipe for further devastation. Delay has consequences.
“EDS has written to Minister McClay seeking a combined package of relief: simpler, faster consenting for the transition to permanent vegetation, backed by a Government fund to support the transition and address any damage that occurs despite forest owners best endeavours to avoid it.
“Council needs to speed up consenting. But it cannot reasonably be expected to leave its community carrying all the residual risk. Government must provide financial backing alongside a workable consenting regime for the transition activities.
“The Minister should immediately commit the remaining unallocated slash clean-up funding to this purpose, change its scope, and provide further funding if needed. Operators should of course remain accountable for negligence and non-compliance.
“There is broad agreement on transitioning and stabilising the most vulnerable ‘purple zone’ land in Tairāwhiti. What is missing is Government backing to make it happen. Past governments helped create this problem through their bad afforestation decisions so central Government must shoulder its share of the responsibility.
“The Minister should also instruct officials to tackle the ETS liabilities issue that is also obstructing transition. It has been stalling on addressing this impediment.
“This weekend must produce commitments and a delivery timetable. Tairāwhiti cannot afford another round of buck-passing. Another disaster may be just around the corner,” concluded Mr Taylor.
More: Gary Taylor 021 895 896