Environment
- New $30 million fund to support councils in cleaning up vulnerable contaminated sites.
- The fund replaces the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund and covers more remediation projects.
- Eligible councils can apply to protect communities and the environment from potential risks.
The Government has launched a new $30 million Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund to help councils and landowners clean up historic landfills and contaminated sites that are at risk from severe weather, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds announced.
"This $30 million fund, part of our Q4 Action Plan, increases the Government’s investment in assisting councils and landowners to share the cost of fixing vulnerable landfills and contaminated areas before problems arise," said Ms Simmonds.
The new fund replaces the previous Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund and has a broader scope, covering more remediation projects. An example of such a project is the ongoing clean-up at Nelson’s Tāhunanui Beach.
“The sawdust used as fill at Tāhunanui Beach in the 1960s is an example of historic contamination,” Ms Simmonds explained. “Many areas across New Zealand bear the legacy of past practices. These sites can pose environmental risks and become a threat due to weather events. It’s estimated that there are hundreds of these sites around New Zealand.”
To date, the Government has already allocated more than $12 million towards various remediation projects, including over $3 million for the final stage of the Tāhunanui Beach project. Other funded remediation projects include Little Tahiti Landfill in Milford Sound, Ocean Beach Landfill near Bluff, Te Raekaihau Point Landfill near Wellington, and Peel Forest Landfill in Timaru. Additionally, planning work is underway for the remediation of Kettle Park Landfill in Dunedin.
“With today’s opening of the new Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund, we can proactively address more of these projects in the future,” said Ms Simmonds.
Councils are encouraged to apply for funding on behalf of landowners for sites that meet the eligibility criteria. The Ministry for the Environment can assist with the application process.
“With this new fund, we will safeguard New Zealand’s natural beauty and the wellbeing of our communities for future generations,” Ms Simmonds added.
For more information and to apply for funding, visit the Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund page on the Ministry for the Environment website.