Major industries need support, visionary approach

Clive Bibby

Opinion

A progress report on one of the region’s most needed projects and an online response by a former councillor attempting to discredit my own observations on necessary land-use changes are currently masquerading as fair comment about topics that should concern us all.

It is no secret that the visionary barging port plan for Te Araroa is not without its critics — albeit most of them from a small cabal of objectors who offer not a single idea as an alternative to this bold undertaking which is not without its risks . . . mainly for its investors, that include the government itself.

My own critic is similarly opposed to my suggestions for a long-term plan that would go some way towards harnessing what remains of the natural resources and human endeavour still surviving here on the East Coast.

These objectors have one thing in common — they believe that the only solution to our past mistreatment of the local environment is to abandon the two major industries operating here that are the only ones capable of supporting the families and servicing businesses who want to remain.

It should be clear for even the most dim-witted imbecile that this idea is simply not a credible or acceptable option for those who live and work in this historically significant part of the Tairawhiti region.

These people need help and the best way to do that is to salvage what remains of the livestock and forestry industries, and restructure them both in such a way that they can peacefully coexist with a protected environment.

It can and should be done.

As a member of both these industries, albeit in a small capacity, l understand what is required to be able to survive in an increasingly difficult economic environment.

My wife and l are two of the few remaining survivors of all the climate and economically driven disasters that have decimated and bankrupted many of my colleagues over the past 43 years. We know what those times mean for even the best operators who have plied their trade here during that period of the Coast’s history.

It takes a special type of indomitable spirit to survive these calamitous situations. It isn’t easy to pick yourself up, do your best to piece the bits together and start again.

This won’t be possible in future unless the unaffected people in high places make decisions that ensure our lifelines are maintained — including the infrastructure that keeps us in touch with the outside word, allowing us to continue trading and the servicing by support groups like financiers and health professionals who help us maintain our sanity and economic viability.

Unfortunately, the visionary approach that most rational people will support is one that isn’t popular in certain influential circles, but it needs to be!

We can’t do this on our own, but collectively we can.

The results will be life-saving for the whole region and the faithful individuals and businesses who decide to stay.

Much better than the alternative idea which is to lock the place up and throw away the key.

I know which side of the fence the bulk of our citizens are on with this one.

Let’s do it!