The removal of test section of beach rock has not yet started along Seven Mile beach, but the Minister for the Environment is re-stating the approval of the licence for the beach rock removal is for a specific area, which will be monitored.
Hon. Wayne Panton also says approval of any further application is not guaranteed.
This month Dart Real Estate was granted permission to remove a 25-foot wide segment of beach rock just north of the Kimpton Resort site.
The granting of the licence drew public objection. But the minister says it was based on evidence from experts, adding the terms are specific in the licence.
“Firstly, this is a very limited test, it is a very narrow area and secondly we are not talking about coral reef. We are talking about what is called beach rock which is effectively sand which has been glued together by a process of interaction of salt water and fresh water,” Mr Panton says. The minister also says granting of any further applications will not be automatic. And of course dart is testing the area where it hopes to build a five-star hotel.
