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A regional landfill at Wayby now looks set to proceed after an interim decision from the Environment Court was released last Thursday (February 26), which concludes that consent for the landfill can be granted with modified conditions.
The community organisation which has been fighting the proposal since it was first announced by Waste Management eight years ago, described the decision as “devastating news”. In a statement, executive members Michelle Carmichael and Sue Crockett said for those who had been at the coalface of the legal fight, the outcome was “sadly not unexpected”.
However, they added that Fight the Tip could be proud of the gains it had made through changes to conditions, with some still under direction for further negotiation.
“We have at least ended up taking a pivotal role in making this proposal better than it would have been in court, and significantly better than what was first approved by Auckland Council. However, we can be especially proud for our overall unwavering commitment as one of the last few participants remaining opposed, due to the unresolved future risks.”
Waste Management plans to build a 60 hectare landfill on the its 1000 ha site, which will eventually replace the Redvale site. Opposition focussed on the environmental risks, particularly to the Hoteo River and Kaipara Harbour.
