Meat plant reply

Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 August 1992, Page 4

Meat plant reply

Ruapehu Mayor Garrick Workman replies to Betty Bryers, who asked about the Raetihi meat plant last week's Bulletin. • Mrs Bryers raises two important issues in her letter to the Editor last week, regarding the establishment of the meat plant at Raetihi and the quality of Raetihi's water. I am able to advise that Mr Peter Wenden from Marton does intend establishing the plant as soon as the finance he has arranged is available. Mr Wenden has become frustrated in recent months waiting as long as he has for this to occur but he has been assured by the finance group backing the development that the required funding will be forthcoming. Naturally we remain hopeful for his sake and for the benefits that will accrue for Raetihi and the Waimarino that this is the case. The Ruapehu District encourages industry to the District and in this instance moved quickly to re-zone the Winstone site so as the plant could be established there. Further, the Council will up-grade the Raetihi Sewage System so that effluent from the plant can be treated and accommodated within the system thus

alleviating a major cost for Mr Wenden and encouraging him to establish the plant in the town. This up-grade will only occur of course if the development proceeds. The issue of quality water for a meat-export plant is an important one. Given the Taumarunui/AFFCO experience and the problems associated with turbidity (discolourations) that caused the AFFCO plant to close earlier than intended during the offseason the Council realises now how vitally important it is, to supply crystal-clear water for this sort of operation if the Council is required to supply the water in the first place. There are many meat plants throughout the country that provide their own water supply or at least treat Council supply to the required standard. I have spoken to Mr Wenden about this problem as from time to time when the Makatuku River is running higher than normal the Raetihi water supply can be discoloured. Mr Wenden is of the view this does not present a real problem for him at this stage. However after having wit-

nessed and been involved with the successful commissioning of the Ohakune Water Treatment Plant, I've asked the firm responsible for establishing the plant to provide costs for a similar type treatment process at Raetihi. These costs will be made available free of charge and once they are obtained I will ask the Community Board to give consideration to an up-grade of the Raetihi Water Treatment System provided of course the Raetihi community supports the move and is prepared to pay for it.

Garrick

Workman