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Processing of McCallum Bros (MBL) Bream Bay sand extraction Fast-track application has resumed after being suspended last month while additional approvals were sought. The Fast-track Approvals Expert Panel suspended processing on September 2 after it was found that an additional wildlife approval was required for the protected coral Culicia rubeola. With the process resuming, the panel has also set a new deadline of February 16, for its final decision, with a draft decision expected in early December. The amended application covering the additional wildlife approval will undergo a further comments process, while the Department of Conservation has been asked to provide a report on the approval. The panel has also directed experts to discuss potential impacts on protected coral species, including recovery, mitigation and monitoring. MBL is applying to extract up to 150,000 cubic metres of sand per year for the first three years, increasing to around 250,000 cubic metres per year for the remainder of the proposed 35-year consent.
