Waimarino meat processing plant?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 369, 15 January 1991, Page 2

Waimarino meat processing plant?

Readers may note the Public Notice on page 13 of the Bulletin advising of the Ruapehu District Council's intention to change the Borough of Raetihi District Scheme to provide for the possible establishment of a small meat processing plant on the Winstone sections of George Street and Parapara Road. The explanation for the change contained within the Public Notice states that the existing scheme is very restrictive so far as the establishment of new industry in Raetihi is concemed.lt contains a list of industries which are totally prohibited which is a reflection of the age of the scheme. Modem

practise is more permissive or addresses environmental questions directly. The change to the ordinance is aimed at achieving this. The change of zoning of the particular area of land is to facilitate the establishment of a new industry in Raetihi i.e. the meat processing plant. The group responsible for the establishment of this plant has been considering a number of sites for its location. Two of these are in the Waimarino. One in the Ohakune industrial area - the other in Raetihi on the Winstone Sections. In terms of district scheme requirements, provided that Council

resolved to change the zoning of the Winstone site in Raetihi from Industrial to Industrial B to facilitate the establishment of the meat plant if this site is chosen as being most suitable. A modem meat plant cannot now be classified noxious nor more importantly will it smell as many freezing works do. These legacies of the past are gone. In fact these plants must now be built in an odourless and dust free environment. In turn of course they must comply wilh the Clean Air Act 1972 and noise levels must not exceed the agrccd number of decibels. Environmentally a modem meat plant is an asset to the area and wcll designed plants would be difficult to rccognise as meat works During the best of times industrial devel-

opment in small rural towns has to be encouraged .In tough economic times with unemployment running at record high levels, (200 locally in the Waimarino) as is the case at prcscnt, we must bend ovcr backwards to provide that encouragement. If this particular plant is to be established I believe it is vitally important we make every effort to have it located here in the Waimarino. It is anticipated up to thirty five people will be employcd. $1.5 million in wages would thercfore be paid out. A substantial amount one would expcct, would bc spcnt locally. For all thosc rcasons I hope no onc in Raetihi will object to the schcme change for thc Winstone site. If any of you are uncasy or con-

cerned about the possible establishment of this plant and who wish to object to the scheme could be satisfied there were no noxious elements there would be no need for a planning consent in respect to the Ohakune site. As regards Raetihi, for the reasons outlined above, a change to the scheme would bc requircd. At the 14 December Council meeting it was change I would appreciate the opportunity of discussing the proposal with you cither by phone (54293) evenings or at your residence if that is more convcnient prior to any objection being made. Similarly if Ohakune or Waimarino or rural residcnts wish to know more about this proposal I am kecn to discuss it with them as wcll. I can also. be contacted via the Council offices Ohakune Ph 58364 Raetihi Ph 54447 GS Worhnan Ruapehu Mavor