100 signatures reached
To: Northland Regional Council, Whangārei District Council, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Members of Parliament
Concerned Communities of Bream Bay against Marine Sand Mining
We, the undersigned residents of and visitors to the Northland Region and its surrounding communities, call upon our elected officials in the Whangārei District Council, Northland Regional Council, Shane Reti (MP for Whangārei), Grant McCallum (MP for Northland), the Coalition Government and other relevant governing bodies to:
- Collectively and individually oppose the granting of any marine sand mining consents to McCallum Bros Limited under the Fast Track process or the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for Bream Bay.
- Promote, support and encourage the use of existing and new sand alternatives, methods and models to shift towards a circular economy.
- Ensure that all relevant information is provided to decision-making panels, including:
- A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis assessing the full economic, environmental, cultural, social impacts of this proposal.
- Independent assessments on the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of Bream Bay, including its role as habitat for threatened and migratory species, its marine ecosystems, importance to biodiversity and fisheries, and its recreational value.
- Independent assessments of risks and liabilities associated with the proposed sand mining activities, including long-term consequences for marine ecosystems, coastal communities and climate change.
- Represent the interests of our region at any hearings or consultations with the EPA or Fast Track decision-making panels, and pursue appeals if necessary.
Why is this important?
McCallum Bros Limited is seeking consent through the Fast Track process to extract 8.45 million cubic metres of marine sand from the Bream Bay seabed over a 35-year period.
This large-scale sand mining operation threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of the coastal environment. Mining marine sand will not only destroy seabed habitats but will also disrupt sediment flows that are essential for maintaining coastal stability, potentially leading to erosion and loss of beaches. The process will release fine sediment plumes that smother marine life and degrade water quality, with effects extending well beyond the immediate mining area.
Sand extraction from dynamic systems, such as riverine and active marine ecosystems, leads to significant environmental impacts, including coastal and river erosion, land-use changes, seabed removal: bathymetric change, increased turbidity, far field changes in tides and currents, threats to marine fisheries and biodiversity. The dredge head creates dead zones with sediment plumes caused by suspended silt lowering oxygen levels and smothering the seafloor plants. The plume can drift for miles triggering coastal erosion.
This large-scale sand mining operation threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of the coastal environment. Mining marine sand will not only destroy seabed habitats but will also disrupt sediment flows that are essential for maintaining coastal stability, potentially leading to erosion and loss of beaches. The process will release fine sediment plumes that smother marine life and degrade water quality, with effects extending well beyond the immediate mining area.
Sand extraction from dynamic systems, such as riverine and active marine ecosystems, leads to significant environmental impacts, including coastal and river erosion, land-use changes, seabed removal: bathymetric change, increased turbidity, far field changes in tides and currents, threats to marine fisheries and biodiversity. The dredge head creates dead zones with sediment plumes caused by suspended silt lowering oxygen levels and smothering the seafloor plants. The plume can drift for miles triggering coastal erosion.
Marine Sands are habitats for microorganisms and cyanobacteria as the basis of marine food webs (Peduzzi 2014), as well as benthic species. Sand dredging in marine environments leads to major impacts on fauna and flora (Desprez et al. 2010), with significant impacts on biodiversity and fisheries. Marine plants act as an important carbon sink, many of which require a sandy subsoil for their reproduction (Sand and Sustainability: 10 strategic recommendations to avert a crisis 2022 – United Nations Environment Programme).
Bream Bay is home to a unique and thriving marine ecosystem, providing critical habitats for a wide array of species, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Bream Bay is also an essential resource for local industries such as fishing and tourism, as well as a cherished recreational space for residents and visitors.
The health of Bream Bay’s ecosystem is vital for ensuring the long-term well-being of the environment, local communities, and industries that rely on it. This is our coast, and it must be protected.
The Fast Track process excludes community participation of those that are most directly impacted.
Sustainable alternatives
Engineered sand is the future and a viable replacement for marine mined sand. Waikato company Kayasand is scaling its production of engineered sand for concrete. Made from crusher dust and recycled materials using a process that conserves natural resources and makes strong concrete with 20% less cement. A sustainable and resilient supply. Proven technology used in over 300 plants worldwide.
Kaipara Ltd has invested $17m in its East Auckland quarries to meet increasing demand. It will produce 25% of Auckland’s needs alone by the end of this year. It also has a plant in the Waikato which will be capable of producing construction quality sand for the next 1000 years.
What is at stake?
- Marine life and ecosystems: Bream Bay is a critical breeding and feeding ground for marine species, many of which are protected, threatened or endangered.
- Economic stability: Marine sand mining poses risks to industries such as fisheries and tourism, which are vital to our region’s economy.
- Cultural and community well-being: Bream Bay holds cultural and recreational significance for local iwi, residents, and visitors.
- Future sustainability: Renewable energy projects and other sustainable coastal developments could be jeopardised by the disruptive effects of marine sand mining.
What we are asking for:
By signing this petition, we urge our local elected members and councils to act decisively to:
- Oppose the Fast Track sand mining application by McCallum Bros Limited;
- Advocate for comprehensive and independent assessments of the proposal’s impacts; and
- Ensure that our voices are heard in any decision-making processes.
By uniting our collective voice, we can give our local elected members and councils the mandate to ensure the health and wellbeing of Bream Bay and local communities are protected into the future by submitting strong opposition on our behalf.
Together, we can protect Bream Bay’s unique marine environment, preserve its cultural and recreational value, and secure a sustainable future for our communities.
This is our coast. Let’s keep it safe for generations to come.
For more information https://tinyurl.com/NoSandmining
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