Battle lines drawn over proposed LNG facility
Residents near Port Taranaki are expressing concerns over a proposed LNG import facility, citing safety and environmental risks. The port authority maintains that risk management zones will not negatively impact the local community or recreational areas.
Why it matters
The project highlights the tension between national energy infrastructure needs and local community concerns regarding safety and environmental impact.
Port Taranaki has reassured nearby residents that initial assessments of a proposed LNG import terminal indicate it is unlikely "risk management zones" will impact on the community or popular recreational areas like Ngāmotu Beach and Breakwater Bay.
In a letter sent to hundreds of local properties, port chief executive Simon Craddock confirmed both shortlisted proposals involved a ship being moored alongside the Main Breakwater.
Opponents of the project argue Port Taranaki is the wrong place for a liquid natural gas (LNG) import facility.
Former oil and gas industry project manager Rob Green's home on Port View Crescent overlooks Port Taranaki.
"I can look straight down on the port, all the ships at anchor here, and I can see all the logs and so on. So, I'm looking straight down on the port at the Main Breakwater and all those berthing possibilities for ships," he said.
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