Users enlist MP's help with tanks

Worried users of the fuel tanks at South Bay wharf have met Colin King MP over ongoing issues regarding environmental safety.

"There are four large Whale Watch vessels, albatross and dolphin encounter tour operators along with fishing vessels. There's reasonably heavy sea traffic and it needs a well-resourced harbour," said Mr King.

"The answer is to keep and improve the facility and in order to do this we need to ensure there isn't an impenetrable layer of bureaucracy and red tape to get through. What's not needed is the expense that could ruin some of these tourism operators."

Mr King said he visited the Marsden Oil Refinery late last year.

"Perched on the edge of a marine reserve, it is visited by other countries so they can see and understand the high standards that are maintained in order to preserve the environment. If such a big operation can be environmentally safe I'm confident we can do the same with some fuel tanks in South Bay."

Fuel suppliers, Chevron, have left the tanks at South Bay and they will be permitted to remain in place providing consent is granted by the Kaikoura District Council.

Following discussions with Encounter Kaikoura a proposal is underway for improving the slipway; if one side can be rebuilt, the area where the tanks are will have extra protection from big seas.

"The whole proposal will be put in the hands of ECan and the council but the council will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the proposal. The installation is an important part of the harbour and it needs ongoing care," said Mr King. "The renourishment of the area will assist with this and I hope that commonsense will prevail.

"From a small rate base Kaikoura is faced with some hefty expenses that would normally fall on a region 10 times the size. For this reason the region has to be clever in finding ways of providing first class experiences and it will always result in meeting some big challenges, environmental and otherwise."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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