Reefton coal burning ban looms

Oceana Gold Reefton mine. Photo / File / Grant Bradley

West Coast Regional Council is considering setting up a forum in Reefton to address air pollution, as anger at a mooted coal-burning ban grows.

Reefton is a coalmining town. Coal was discovered in the area in 1869, and even now the idle Terrace Mine burrows right under the edge of town, opposite a residential street.

But the air quality has breached national standards several times this winter, the worst year since records began eight years ago. Twice, it was more than double the limit.

Under government rules, the council has until 2016 to act. After news broke of the proposed coal-burning ban this week, angry locals went on TV3's Campbell Live.

Council chairman Ross Scarlett said today the council would to liaise with Reefton people, and was looking to set up a committee there, a forum for people to "work this out together".

"It's being foisted on us by central government. We are the meat in the sandwich."

Reefton had been burning coal "forever" and changing how homes were heated would be a "huge shift".

"We are very determined people will not go cold."

He understood the residents' reaction, and could understand why they were not pleased.

However, the council would work through the issue with the community, and would not be making arbitrary decisions.