The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, through the Department of Environment, held its final community consultation on the proposed river gravel extraction at the lower Waidina River, Naitasiri.
At the earlier consultation in February, the community raised concerns about ongoing riverbank erosion. Last night’s session at the Gusuisavu Village Hall focused on the riverbank protection measures proposed in response, and gave the community and stakeholders a final opportunity to share their views.
Community consultation is a requirement under the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007 and must be completed before any decision is made. The views received will now be considered by the Department as part of its assessment of the proposal.
Vinaka vakalevu to the people of Gusuisavu Village for hosting us, and to all the agencies and stakeholders who took part.