Engineering marvel unveiled: Kai Tak Sports Park sets new standards in design and innovation

March 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2025 – Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) officially opened on 1 March 2025 as the largest integrated sports and entertainment complex in Hong Kong, setting a new benchmark in design innovation and engineering excellence.

With Arup as the engineering consultant, KTSP is designed to cater to the city’s unique urban environment and its vibrant community, providing an unparalleled experience for visitors and spectators alike.

“Kai Tak Sports Park is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, innovation, and sustainability. We’re immensely proud to help realise this new icon for Hong Kong, which will promote community sports and support the hosting of international events in our city.”

– Michael Kwok, East Asia Region Chair, Arup

A venue like no other

Central to the park is the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, dubbed as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. Designed to address Hong Kong’s humid sub-tropical climate, the stadium features one of the world’s largest retractable roofs and a flexible pitch surface, allowing the venue to host a variety of events in any weather.

The retractable roof, weighing nearly 4,800 tonnes, operates quietly and can open or close in just 30 minutes using advanced mechanisms similar to railway technology. To support this massive roof, Arup engineered a bespoke structure with four mega trusses spanning between 150m to 180m, anchoring on four bearing-free reinforced concrete towers at the corners to ensure an unobstructed view for every spectator. Building information modelling (BIM) was fully adopted to optimise the structural design, ensuring constructability and minimising steel use.

Given the stadium’s proximity to residential areas, the retractable roof is acoustically sealed when closed, using sound-proof barriers and heavy cladding panels to dampen low-frequency sound, making the stadium one of the most efficient soundproofing sports facilities in the world.

Spectator experience redefined

The stadium boasts a pioneering air-conditioning system activated when the roof is closed. This system adopts a bowl cooling method with individual outlets beneath each seat, circulating cool air in spectator areas without having to cool the entire stadium. This approach optimises spectator comfort while enhancing energy efficiency.

The successful implementation of this system is a result of the meticulous coordination and integration between structural and MEP engineering. Advanced precast construction techniques have been used alongside an innovative multi-trade integrated MEP (MiMEP) design approach, setting high standards in both functionality and sustainability.

Seamless accessibility for visitors

Pedestrian access to KTSP is seamlessly integrated at the podium level, ensuring safe and convenient visitor movement without the need to cross busy roads. The facilities throughout the park are interconnected through thoughtfully designed paths and walkways, enhancing the visitor experience.

Arup’s total engineering services for KTSP extend to the 10,000-seat Kai Tak Arena, the 5,000-seat Youth Sports Ground, and various retail and leisure spaces.

“Working closely with our clients and partners, our multidisciplinary engineering team has overcome numerous challenges to bring Kai Tak Sports Park to life. We’ve accomplished something incredible together, delivering a vibrant hub that will enrich the community.”

– Ben Lam, Project Director of Kai Tak Sports Park, Arup

Working in close collaboration with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, Hip Hing Engineering Co. Ltd, Populous, Simon Kwan & Associates Ltd., and ADI Limited, Arup provided civil, structural, geotechnical and building services engineering, as well as traffic, fire engineering, façade, acoustics, audio-visual, sports lighting, advanced digital engineering, security, environmental and sustainability consulting.

Hashtag: #Arup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Fatal crash, Saddle Road, Woodville

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a two-vehicle crash in Woodville this morning.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash on Saddle Road at around 11.10am.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit is currently conducting a scene examination.

The road remains closed, and motorists are advised to follow diversions.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Five Footway Festival 2025 Honours Chinatown’s Storied Past through Immersive Cultural Experiences

MIL OSI

March 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Happening from 14 – 23 March 2025, this year’s festival features a line-up of new and exciting activities, including a Theatrical Walking Tour based on a fictional account of a letter writer’s life in the 1940s, a guided tour at the recently reopened Chinatown Heritage Centre, Kaya Making Workshops, and more.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2025 – The Chinatown Business Association proudly presents the fourth edition of the Five Footway Festival, running from 14 to 23 March 2025. This festival honours Singapore’s iconic five-footways and Chinatown’s rich heritage through immersive experiences, performances, and workshops.

Executive Director of the Chinatown Business Association, Ms Lim Yick Suan shared, “The Five Footways of Chinatown are more than just physical spaces – they are a living testament to the rich heritage, resilience, and spirit of the community that have shaped Singapore especially as we celebrate SG60 this year. This year’s Five Footway Festival provides an opportunity to explore Chinatown’s vibrant past through engaging cultural experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and tastes that bring Chinatown’s history to life.”

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH HISTORY WITH CAPTIVATING WALKING TOURS
This year’s Five Footway Festival invites visitors to explore the rich history of Chinatown through four immersive walking tours, each offering a distinctive glimpse into the district’s lively past and present.

Among the highlights is the Chinatown Theatrical Tour – Letter Writer’s Lament, a storytelling journey that transports participants back to the 1940s. Led by Let’s Go Tour, winner of Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards and a finalist in the 2024 Singapore Tourism Awards, this experience follows the journey of Ace Wan, a young immigrant who found his calling as a Chinese letter writer. Through a blend of theatre and history, visitors will witness the struggles and aspirations of early immigrants, retracing the lives of early immigrants who once gathered along the bustling five-footways.

“Under One Roof” – An Immersive Guided Experience @ Chinatown Heritage Centre offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Chinatown’s early residents. Housed within three shophouses, the centre recreates the 1950s interiors of its tenants, from family homes to tradesmen’s workshops to offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of Chinatown’s early residents.

The OG Hustlers walking tour celebrates the resilience of Chinatown’s pioneers, who transformed its narrow five-footways into thriving hubs of trade and community. Step inside century-old establishments like Pek Sin Choon, one of Singapore’s oldest tea merchants, and beloved Cantonese pastry shop Tong Heng to uncover the enduring legacies of these family-run businesses. For those eager to explore beyond the heart of Chinatown, Hey Bukit Pasoh! The Vibrant Yesteryears takes visitors through the charming enclave of Bukit Pasoh. Discover hidden gems where the past and present of Singapore’s heritage scene come to life – from The Pioneers’ Memorial Hall (PMH), which honours the contributions of Singapore’s leaders, to the iconic filming locations of Crazy Rich Asians.

A SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
Smith Street comes alive with vibrant performances at this year’s Five Footway Festival! Meet and Greet Stilt Walkers in traditional wear and be amazed by show-stopping Lion Dances from renowned and award-winning troupes, including Singapore Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre (新加坡天鷹龍狮学院) and Singapore Hok San Association (新加坡鶴山會館武術醒獅團), Singapore’s first lion dance troupe.

Look forward to an exciting lineup of performances, including Face Changing (变脸), traditional Chinese music featuring the guzheng (古箏) and pipa (琵琶), Street Storytelling, and Reverberations of Heritage, a lively performance featuring Chinese instruments. Don’t miss the thrilling Monkey King Show and Wushu Performance by Choy’s Brothers Opera Troupe.

Bilingual puppetry theatre Paper Monkey Theatre presents a unique blend of traditional Chinese hand puppetry and modern theatrical techniques in their Hand Puppet Show: The Tiger Hero (武松打虎). Inspired by The Water Margin, one of China’s great classic novels, this tale follows the courageous Wu Song as he bravely faces a ferocious tiger in a thrilling test of strength and wit.

Adding to the festivities, opera performances will take place every weekend, bringing to life beloved stories from Chinese folklore. Audiences can also enjoy a traditional Beijing Opera Performance by Ping Sheh and a Teochew Opera & Drums Performance by Nam Hwa Opera (南华潮剧社), one of Singapore’s most prominent and prolific Teochew Opera companies. Featuring performers ranging from 10 to 70 years old, the performance will showcase the depth and vibrancy of this traditional art form through captivating storytelling, elegant movements, and the rich musical heritage of Teochew opera.

DIVE INTO TRADITION WITH INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
Visitors can dive into the rich heritage of Chinatown through enriching workshops and highlight various aspects of its history and traditions.

Food plays a key role in Singapore’s cultural identity, both past and present. In the Kaya Making Workshop, participants will learn step-by-step techniques to make traditional Gula Melaka Kaya. The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ang Ku Kueh workshop will provide insights into this iconic red pastry, allowing participants to make it the traditional way. The Teochew Png Kueh Masterclass offers a chance to learn the art of creating the beloved savoury glutinous rice cake. In the Get Prosperous with Egg Huat Kueh workshop, attendees will discover the history and varieties of Huat Kueh (prosperity cake) and learn to make traditional Egg Huat Kueh. The Chinese Kung Fu Tea Workshop provides hands-on experience in the art of Chinese tea, where participants will explore the cultural significance of tea and learn to brew and serve traditional varieties.

The Sights & Sounds of Chinese Opera workshop offers an exploration into the world of Cantonese Opera, featuring insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and an excerpt from a traditional Chinese Opera performance, all accompanied by a soothing Chinese tea experience.

Visitors can also join the Plate Spinning Experiential Workshop, where they will learn the fundamentals of plate spinning, from balancing to keeping the plates in motion. Additionally, there are free workshops such as the Chinese Ink Painting, Bamboo Pinwheel Making and Bamboo Windchimes Making, where visitors can try their hand at crafting these traditional items.

FIVE FOOTWAY FESTIVAL: A FESTIVAL FOR ALL
In collaboration with Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and students from Hwa Chong Institution, the festival will showcase an exhibition entitled “The Warmth and Bustle of The Five-Footways”, which explores the history of the five-footways, including the trades, occupations, and recreational activities commonly found along these iconic walkways.

“While Chinatown today is modern and vibrant, the local Chinese community still cherishes its past, when the five-footway space was defined by the simple charm of everyday life. This exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese in Singapore, it aims to preserve traditions, and foster appreciation for local cultural heritage.” said Ng Kia Hui, Senior Manager, Education & Outreach, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.

Along Smith Street, visitors can also enjoy a Chinese Opera Roving Exhibition , as well as a Mini Food & Retail Bazaar, a Street Scene Photo Booth, and a Traditional Games Booth featuring nostalgic games such as pick-up sticks, five stones, marbles, and the eraser game – all taking place along the bustling Smith Street.

On select days during the festival, insightful talks will delve into The Beauty of the Hokkien Language, alongside informative Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Health Talks led by Science Arts TCM Clinic, focusing on cholesterol levels and eye health.

Admission to the Five Footway Festival is free. Tickets for selected workshops can be purchased from Peatix here. More information about the programme rundown and festival can be found on Chinatown Singapore’s website here.

https://chinatown.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/ChinatownSGcsm/
https://www.instagram.com/chinatownsingapore/?hl=en

Hashtag: #ChinatownBusinessAssociation #FiveFootwayFestival

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Update on Morningside sudden death

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can now provide a further update on the previously unexplained death of a woman in Morningside.

Initially, Police were called to the Don Croot Street property at 9.15pm on 28 February after the woman was found unresponsive.

Despite CPR being performed at the scene, she was sadly unable to be revived.

Today, a post-mortem examination was completed.

Following this examination and other enquiries, Police consider there are no suspicious circumstances in relation to her death.

The woman’s death has now been referred to the Coroner.

Our sympathies are with her friends and family.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Asian Electronics Online Exhibition 2025 Kicks Off – Unlock Cutting-Edge Innovations & Global Trade Opportunities

MIL OSI

March 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2025 – The Asian Electronics Online Exhibition 2025 (ASIANTRONICS 2025) is set to redefine global sourcing and collaboration in the electronics sector. Running from March 3, 2025, to June 30, 2025, this hybrid event seamlessly integrates virtual and physical elements, providing an unparalleled platform for buyers to connect with top-tier Asian suppliers, manufacturers, and exporters.

Jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com/), the event has been successfully held since 2022, delivering impressive results in both participation and quality. For 2025, we are expanding the scope of the exhibition, with a four-month extension that strategically aligns with major industry events such as MWC Barcelona (Mobile World Congress, MWC), IPC APEX EXPO, electronica China, PCIM Europe, and the (DAC) Design Automation Conference. This extended timeline offers international buyers the convenience of attending multiple key events in one seamless purchasing experience, while creating greater momentum for exhibitors and enhancing global networking opportunities.

This year’s event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Taiwanese suppliers, including AIRWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, GOOD OPPORTUNITY ELECTRONIC, UNILONGENTERPRISECO, HOW DER ELECTRONIC, THUNDER COMPONENTS, ARIOSE ELECTRONICS, ESMT, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, CHIEN SHERN ENTERPRISE, ET&T TECHNOLOGY, BIPOLAR ELECTRONIC, CLEVER INTELLIGENCE, LEGEND LIFESTYLE, and FORTRON INDUSTRIAL. These industry leaders will showcase thousands of cutting-edge electronics products, covering a diverse range of categories such as Active Components, Connectors & Terminals, Consumer Electronic Accessories & Parts, Electromechanical Components, Electronic Production Machinery, Optoelectronic Displays, Wireless & IoT Solutions, Automotive Electronics, Batteries, Chargers, Transformers, and more. Buyers can expect comprehensive, engaging, and highly specialized exhibition experience tailored to their procurement needs.

In response to the evolving landscape of international trade, ASIANTRONICS 2025 offers an array of virtual solutions to ensure accessibility and global reach. These include dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls—all seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia. Buyers can explore products, initiate inquiries, and engage in procurement discussions in real time, eliminating geographical barriers and travel constraints.

With its extended duration and comprehensive platform, ASIANTRONICS 2025 is poised to be the most influential event for the electronics products industry in Asia. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leading suppliers and explore the latest innovations.

Visit the Online Exhibition Now:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/38/Asian-Electronics-Online-Exhibition-2025.html

Founded in 1997, TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) is a premier B2B international trade platform, serving as a vital link between global buyers and suppliers. With millions of registered members, over 600,000 suppliers, and a vast catalog of products, TradeAsia is a trusted resource for businesses seeking to expand their international presence. By fostering collaborations with hundreds of trading entities worldwide, TradeAsia amplifies visibility and marketing impact for its members, providing a competitive edge in the global market.

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Gaw Capital Partners Announces Strategic Investment in NPX Point Avenue

MIL OSI

March 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2025 – Private equity firm Gaw Capital Partners today announces a strategic investment, through a fund under its management, in NPX Point Avenue, a leading K-12 education group providing innovative and high-quality educational solutions in Hanoi, Vietnam. This move aligns with Gaw Capital Education Platform’s long-term vision, supported by notable projects across Asia under the same platform.

The decision to invest in True North International School (TNIS) and Point Avenue, both under the umbrella of the NPX Point Avenue group, extends beyond Gaw Capital’s confidence in the group’s business alone, encompassing the broader landscape of educational development in the Vietnam market.

TNIS is one of the most innovative and entrepreneurial K-12 schools in Vietnam with a focus on its 4 Pillars of Excellence: Character, Fitness & Wellness, Academic Rigor, and Global Citizenry, creating an active lifestyle for students centered around healthy choices. TNIS received the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation for a six-year term, a STEM.org accreditation, and is one of the few schools offering over 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses while serving as a SAT and AP testing center in the heart of Ha Dong District of Hanoi. TNIS has state-of-the-art facilities: grass football pitch, indoor heated swimming pool, indoor gym, makerspaces, multifunctional spaces, and 50 classrooms with a total capacity of 1,000 students from Grades K-12. The TNIS guiding principles are its 3C’s: Children First, Culture Always, Community Forever. Complemented by Point Avenue’s innovative learning methodologies and career preparedness programs, students in NPX Point Avenue benefit from a well-rounded education that equips them with a competitive edge, ensuring their preparedness for the dynamic future ahead.

Herbin Koh, Head of Growth Equity Platform at Gaw Capital Partners, said, “This strategic investment symbolizes Gaw Capital’s continuous commitment to make responsible investments that generate positive impact to the wider society while balancing our financial interests. We are excited to continue to support NPX Point Avenue group’s mission to provide quality K-12 education to the next generation of future leaders in Vietnam and beyond.”

Danny Hwang, Founder and CEO of NPX Point Avenue, added, “We are thrilled to have Gaw Capital as our majority shareholder and receive their strong endorsement. With robust backing from Gaw Capital, a leading private equity firm focused in Asia, NPX Point Avenue is empowered to deliver elite and comprehensive education, ensuring a solid foundation for students’ academic and professional success.”

Gaw Capital, through its Education Platform, has invested in initiatives such as an early childhood education group in Singapore and, Stellart International School of Arts, an international arts school in Southern China. All these ventures demonstrate the firm’s dedication to investing in ways that create positive impact while upholding our financial objectives.

Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Weather News – Autumn kicks off with a chilly, stormy start – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 3rd – Thursday 6th March – After a warm, dry end to meteorological summer, autumn announces itself in a chilly and wet fashion. MetService is forecasting a cool week for most, with wet and thundery weather, and biting southerlies along southern and eastern North Island coastlines. However, brighter weather returns by the end of the working week. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Alfred now appears less likely to affect Aotearoa New Zealand.

A rain-bearing cold front moves up the South Island today (Monday), delivering heavier falls to eastern areas at times before clearing from the south and west this evening. On Tuesday, it’s the North Island’s turn with rain and showers, reaching Northland by the end of the day. Thunderstorms are also on the cards, particularly for the lower North Island and upper South Island.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane explains, “Hail is likely from thunderstorms on Tuesday, especially for Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough. While many areas have favourable conditions for thunderstorms, not everyone will see one. However, where they do occur, they could bring intense rainfall in a short period. After a dry start to the year, many places need rain, but a sudden downpour may not be the most beneficial way for it to arrive.”

Showers persist through Wednesday and Thursday for eastern regions and the lower North Island. By Friday, most places can expect brighter skies, aside from some cloud and showers in the far south of the South Island.

Alongside wet weather, a shift to cooler temperatures is on the way. “After highs in the upper 20s and even 30s over the weekend, mid-week temperatures will drop to the mid-teens, with cool nights as well. Parts of the Canterbury High Country may even see frost on Thursday morning, with Twizel forecast to dip to 2°C,” Makgabutlane says.

The cooler air is driven by southerlies, which could be strong at times in the eastern and lower North Island, leading to rough sea conditions. “Swell heights will be something to watch along the Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay coastlines from Thursday. Extra care is advised for anyone planning to be near the water,” Makgabutlane cautions.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which initially appeared to have the potential to turn towards Aotearoa, now looks more likely to track westward towards the Queensland coast of Australia. Our thoughts are with those who may be affected across the Tasman. MetService will continue to monitor developments, and more information on the cyclone’s impact in Australia can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology’s website: https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=aec4796a6a&e=852c839bf9

MIL OSI

Girls are proving point in the trades | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

Home
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Girls are proving point in the trades

1 minute ago

Fifty years ago, seeing a woman in a hard hat on a construction site was a rare sight. Between 1975 and 1986, only nine women graduated from EIT with a qualification in trades. Today, that number tells a different story—730 women earned trades qualifications from 2003 to 2023.

Graduates like Cerise Wilson, who completed EIT’s Carpentry Level 3 Programme, are part of this growth, showing the diverse range of people choosing careers in the trades today.

As EIT marks its 50th anniversary, these numbers highlight the evolution of trades education and the increasing opportunities available to all.

Find out more about our School of Trades and Technology here https://lnkd.in/g_-7qNpb

MIL OSI

Serious crash, Saddle Road, Woodville

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a serious crash on Saddle Road, Woodville.

Emergency services were alerted to the two-vehicle crash near the Hope Road intersection at around 11.10am.

Initial indications suggest there are injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

The road is closed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and follow diversions.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Mining Sector – Business costs can’t increase to modernise DoC – Straterra

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: Straterra Inc

The mining industry is encouraged to see Conservation Minister Tama Potaka say he aims to lower costs to businesses as the Department of Conservation (DoC) looks to modernise its processes, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.

“In our submission on the discussion document Modernising conservation land management we note this important point, outlined in the foreword as one of the Minister’s two bottom lines,” Vidal says.

“There is no doubt the many layers of processes DoC has to provide access and concessions for the conservation estate needs modernising and we support this aim. However, there is a danger of over-simplifying and we have concerns about, and do not support, the proposed class approach to concessions. Instead, we prefer a case-by-case approach where each application is assessed on its overall merits.

“Getting a mine up and running is costly and business and miners already pay numerous charges for access arrangements and concessions. These include activity, management, and monitoring fees, industrial intrusion charges, and various other charges. This complicated and oblique charging system means that in aggregate, the payment miners make to the Government is substantial.

“There is a strong case for removing the requirement for concessions for mining operations. This could be achieved by allowing mineral permits to cover all land that is required for the mining and associated activities, such as roads and processing plants, and not just the mining of the mineral.

“We support more flexibility for the Government to exchange, transfer, or dispose of parcels of conservation land. This can benefit both miners and the DoC with enhanced conservation outcomes, as well as wider benefits for society.

“The conservation estate is one-third of New Zealand’s land and DoC doesn’t have the resources to manage that.

“Enabling land to be exchanged or disposed of can raise funds for conservation purposes (e.g. pest control) and/or ensure the land is being held by an owner best able to optimise the conservation value. Miners are often better placed than DoC to do this and miners on the conservation estate are engaged in pest control, kiwi breeding programmes, and other conservation projects.

“The aim of more flexible land exchange and disposal settings should be to support all Government priorities, including economic, while still providing a net conservation benefit and safeguarding vulnerable biodiversity.

“Mining tourism should be part of the enhanced tourism on conservation land goal in the discussion document. This would also help dispel the many myths and misinformation about mining on conservation land. There is already some mining tourism activity in New Zealand.

“We do not support giving the Minister of Conservation power to approve the National Conservation Policy Statement (NCPS) and area plans because of the risk of an ideologically driven minister rejecting perfectly acceptable uses of conservation land,” Vidal says.

– Exploration and mining currently occurs on conservation land excluding National Parks and Schedule 4 land. The Government and industry are not seeking to change the current settings in relation to this.

– Mining on conservation land is infrequent and the footprint is small because mineral resources are hard to find and strict hurdles have to be navigated before approval to mine is given. Only about 3,500 hectares or 0.04% of the conservation estate has been disturbed by mining. This is after more than 40 years of mining on conservation land.

– Not all exploration on conservation land leads to mining as the exploration phase may rule out mining.

– The status quo works well where exploration and mining applications are considered on their merits against the conservation values of the land in question. This case-by-case approach is a more versatile and superior approach than one based on land categorisation because it doesn’t rule out potential opportunities before they are considered.

MIL OSI

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