FREE Wednesday May252016 379 7100 BayHarbour News Proudly locally owned and published by Star Media Black Billed Gull YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL Mark Gardner p: (03) 331 6757 m: 021 633 669 e: mark.gardner@raywhite.com Prier Manson Real Estate Ltd (Licensed REAA 2008) Brookhaven, Heathcote, Ferrymead ,Redcliffs, Mt. Pleasant, Sumner, Lyttelton, Diamond Harbour, Governors Bay, Akaroa Plan to deepen harbour channel sparks environmental concerns BRIDGET RUTHERFORD Plans to dig a deeper channel in Lyttelton Harbour are progressing, but critics are worried about the impact on the environment, including endangered hector’s dolphins. Lyttelton Port of Christchurch wants to deepen the harbour’s navigation channel by 2m to accommodate larger container vessels. It plans to apply for resource consent mid-way through this year. But University of Otago marine animal expert Professor Liz Slooten (left) said the dredging could be disruptive to hector’s dolphins living in and around the harbour. It it estimated there are just over 7270 left. Professor Slooten has been doing research on hector’s dolphins around Banks Peninsula, and said the population was already under threat from fishing. She said dredging the harbour floor could remove marine life fish feed on, ultimately having PROGRESS: Lyttelton Port of Christchurch is progressing with plans to dredge a deeper and wider navigation channel in the harbour. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN a flow-on affect to the dolphins, she said. She said Port Otago was also looking to dredge to accommodate larger vessels. “It doesn’t make sense for everyone to be doing developments, probably paid out of taxpayer money, doing environmental damage when we’re not sure if these ships are coming,” Professor Slooten said. LPC chief executive Peter Davie said it wanted to do the project in order to keep up with international shipping trends to support the regional economy. He said LPC was working with independent experts to understand effects on marine ecologies, marine mammals and their food sources, both inside and outside the harbour. MP and Rapaki runanga member Nuk Korako said the runanga wanted the dredged sediment to be dumped outside the harbour. He said the runanga understood it was a working port, and if they could find a balance, they would be happy. Green List MP Eugenie Sage said LPC needed to consult with the community about its plans before it applied for consent. “Leaving it just to the formal Resource Management Act processes is not consultation, especially given the short time-frames under the RMA for people to understand and comment on complex proposals.” Lyttelton-Mt Herbert Community Board chairwoman Paula Smith said the dumping of sediment dredged up would be the most contentious issue. She said some people in Sumner and Taylors Mistake had previously been worried that the sediment could travel north with the sea current. HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of Lyttelton Port of Christchurch’s dredging plan? Email your views in 200 words or less to bridget.rutherford@ starmedia.kiwi INSIDE: • Call to reduce speed limits, p3 • Firefighter takes up challenge, p6 Heathcote Valley Come in for a visit and experience the difference Ph 03 384 9249 108 Port hills Rd, heathcote Valley inspiring young minds 20 Hours Free for 3 & 4 yrs old Three age specific rooms plus School prep Teaching room For full information please visit our website www.hvp.co.nz Lyttelton Tunnel Ferrymead Heritage Park Port Hills Rd Tunnel Rd We are here Bridle Path Rd Martindales Rd AutuMn & wIntER ARE A GREAt tIME to sEll youR HoME! It may be true that there are fewer buyers and sellers in the winter marketplace but the ones that are there are serious and have a sense of urgency to purchase. If you’re considering selling and would like some honest, professional advice, give me a call today – it costs nothing to talk! Chris Moores Harcourts Grenadier Ferrymead 1020 Ferry Road P: 03 384 7950 | M: 027 588 4440 E: chris.moores@harcourts.co.nz licensed sales Consultant REAA 2008 GRENADIER
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