Uncetain future for road access to Franz Josef glacier
From local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
The uncertain future of access to Franz Josef Glacier is up for discussion at today's meeting of the West Coast Regional Land Transport Committee.
The access road and track to the glacier were badly damaged in the storm of March 2019 that cost $4 million in emergency repairs. The work included the construction of a causeway next to the Waiho (Waiau) River as a temporary fix.
But the Department of Conservation (DOC), which owns the road, says there is a high risk of future storm damage and no clear plan for a more permanent or resilient option for the road.
DOC wants funding from the National Land Transport Fund to develop a business case for a long-term solution but needs to have the project listed in the regional transport plan in order to qualify.
DOC is asking the committee for a variation in the plan to include the study, dubbed the 'Franz Josef Access Resilience Single-Stage Business Case'.
The funding requested from the national fund is $200,000 a year to maintain the causeway, and $50,000 a year over two years to prepare the business case.
Work on the study, by DOC and the NZ Transport Agency has already begun and the committee is expected to approve the variation.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.7% Hmm, maybe?
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9.7% Yes!
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
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