A bridge too far on mines?

West Coasters came out in huge numbers yesterday to protest against the Government’s plan to ban new mining on Department of Conservation land.

About 5000 people turned out to voice their anger during the opening of the $25.8 million Taramakau Bridge. Between Greymouth and Kumara Junction on State Highway 6, it replaces the last railroad bridge in New Zealand.

Labour’s West Coast MP Damien O’Connor opened the bridge and acknowledged the locals had used the opening to raise issues.

‘‘Without mining, this bridge wouldn’t be possible. We need to continue with mining in order to construct key infrastructure around the country,’’ he said.

The protest against the ban on new mines on DOC land will likely have a major effect on the West Coast, where DOC administers about 84 per cent of the land. In 2016 mining contributed 12.7 per cent of the region’s GDP.

Organiser and Grey district councillor Peter Haddock said 860 tonnes of coal was used to produce the steel for the new bridge.

‘‘The rally was planned as a peaceful event which did not affect the opening celebrations of this important milestone as the last combined road rail bridge crossing on the West Coast,’’ he said. ‘‘But [it was] planned as a show of solidarity against the undemocratic and non-consulted decisions by an unelected minister which, if enacted, will result in a massive downturn in the whole West Coast economy.’’

The proposed ban would drive people from the coast and put ‘‘further pressure on our ability as ratepayers to fund essential services’’, he said.

‘‘The mining footprint on the West Coast is only 15sqkm compared to the total 3500sqkm of the West Coast. We are hard-working people who care about our land. We are leaders in restoration and rehabilitation,’’ he said.

A lobby group called Go West Coast has been set up to challenge the ban and call for access to stewardship land, formerly DOC land that does not have high conservation values.

West Coast farmer and mining supporter Katie Milne said access to stewardship land is essential for farming and has brought 2000 jobs and $700m to the region.

‘‘If it’s done to us it must include us. It would have massive consequences for us all on the West Coast. Jobs will be lost and people will have to leave. I have a new grandson and I want for him, if he chooses, to live here in the future and not be forced to leave for lack of opportunity,’’ she said.

Westland Mayor Bruce Smith said a ban would also affect the Pounamu and lime industries.

Rail traffic will remain on the old bridge while a section of SH6 is realigned to accommodate the new bridge, which opened six months ahead of schedule.