Sand application shifts to next stage

The Bream Bay sand mining protesters fear that a decision could be made without broad consultation.

A decision on a controversial sand mining proposal off the coast of Bream Bay is unlikely to be reached before mid-June, with sources indicating the process could extend beyond the 15-week timeframe outlined under fast-track legislation. The application, lodged by Auckland-based company McCallum Bros, seeks consent to extract up to 150,000 cubic metres of sand annually for the first three years, rising to approximately 250,000 cubic metres a year over a proposed 35-year consent period. The proj...