Water decision annoys Board

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 407, 8 October 1991, Page 5

Water decision annoys Board

Writing to the Minister of Conservation to express dissatisfaction with DoC's decision against the Mangawhero Camp site for the Ohakune Water Treatment plant would achieve little. This was the result of discussion on the matter

at last week's Waimarino Community Board meeting. "It is most unfortunate we couldn't gain the support of the Department for our preferred option," said Council general manager Cliff Houston. "It's been decided to bite the' bullet

on the extra cost and get on with the job." Board rhember Winston Oliver expressed disgust at the Department's decision. "To me that argument (that the plant is a light industrial facility and is against the management plan) is weak," said Mr

Oliver. "I can't accept DoC's decision." He suggested writing to the minister to point out the predicament the decision put the council in. "National Park management plans should be flexible," he said. Mr Houston said trying to overturn the deci-

sion would take a lot longer, and further delay the start of the project. The board decided to receive the report and back the decision to go with the next best option, the Soldier's Road site. This option will cost each ratepayer an extra 3.4 per cent in rates, the board heard.