Northern Christchurch residents will now be able to stay updated, via a live link, to the process of an application by Renew Energy Limited to store 40,000 bales of waste in Belfast, Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey says.

This follows a packed public meeting Doocey held at the Belfast Rugby Football Club on Monday, 9 March.

“This brings huge relief to residents, who approached me after finding out about the application in a newspaper article. Bewilderment, dismay, anger – those were a few of the emotions our residents were feeling.

“The application to Environment Canterbury (ECan) was to store 40,000 waste bales on a site in Blakes Road for an incinerator that is yet to be built. Residents were worried there could be no public consultation process but that approval could be granted within 15 days.

“I immediately invited representatives from Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council and Renew Energy Limited to front residents’ questions. Residents pointed out the site is close to houses, a large aquifer and stream, a cemetery and meat works.

“Following the meeting, ECan has set up a live webpage on their website for residents to be updated and informed about what is happening with the application for Blakes Road and on the unauthorised storage of bales in Spencerville,” Doocey said.

“I will continue to support our community on this issue.”

Residents can go to https://ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/zone-news/christchurch-west-melton/waste-bale-storage/?fbclid=IwAR0M5gBpzX6Bw_y-3B0ly7FdQHoFqEoXovk6yd-TrG4YFkeA9YVXAqqVexI to stay updated.