Locals against call-in application

Manawatu locals are worried they'll lose the democratic process if Mighty River Power's application to "call-in" the proposed Turitea Wind Farm goes ahead.

But, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard says the public's input won't be compromised if the ministerial intervention happens.

Last week, the Palmerston North City Council received notification of the power company's application to have the ministry take over the decision-making process, taking the power out of the council's hands.

Instead, a call-in would see the application heard by either a ministry appointed board of inquiry, or the environment court.

Some opposers of the wind farm spoken to by the Manawatu Standard were unwilling to comment, because they were seeking more information about the possible implications of a call-in.

But others expressed concerns about the affect a call-in would have on the decision-making process.

Wind farm opponent Paul Stichbury: "I'd be very surprised if the council went along with it because it really subverts the democratic process."

It was an attempt by the state owned power company to speed through the red-tape, he said.

"They're obviously worried the conventional process won't deliver the results they want."

Palmerston North councillor Michael Feyen, who has spoken out against the proposed wind farm, was also anti the idea.

"I just think it's a carry-on of the bullying tactics of Mighty River Power, and I think our council needs to take a strong stance on this and make our own decisions."

Mr Mallard's letter asked the council to express its opinion of whether or not it was capable of considering the issue itself.

The council has called a special meeting about the matter next week, where it will decide on its response.

Mr Mallard said he would then make a decision "as soon as possible after seeking the views of the local council and the advice of officials".

He would not comment on the particular application, but said if a call-in occurred, the public would still be able to have a say.

"The public still has the right to make a submission. I will call for submissions - even if the council has already publicly notified the applications and received submissions from the public."

Under the Resource Management Act, he has the right to call-in an application if it was of "national significance".

Not all wind farms would fit the definition, but the Kyoto protocol and climate change issues meant renewable energy was important, he said. "The Government is committed to a target of 90 percent of our electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2025."

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