A new cement plant near Weston will bring social and economic benefits for the Waitaki district but could also cause problems that need to be managed, the Environment Court has been told.
In particular, a rapid influx of workers during construction, which would employ up to 430 people at its peak, could be stressful and put pressure on services if not carefully managed, social impact consultant Gerard Fitzgerald said.
Planning was needed to avoid a "boom-bust" during the construction phase, he said.
He prepared a study on the social effects of Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd building the plant and its associated quarries in the Waiareka Valley.
On the positive side, incoming construction workers would contribute to the local economy and community activities. Some may choose to stay in the area permanently.
However, a rapid population influx, if not carefully managed, could be stressful for communities and service providers. Some problems could be avoided by advance planning.
At its peak, the construction would require 88 management professionals, 208 skilled trades people and 189 trades assistants, operators and labourers.
The Oamaru labour market would be unable to supply all the labour, especially if the market was tight. That could increase wages, creating difficulties for existing employers but benefiting workers.
Up to 250 "outside" workers could be required at the construction peak, with up to 175 commuting long distances, for example from Christchurch or Dunedin.
Between 85 and 185 additional adults and 21 to 83 additional children might live locally during construction, a 2% increase in Oamaru's population.
That would require 62 houses for new families, 20 houses for single adults and 176 motel or other beds.
Mr Fitzgerald said a review of rental and other accommodation indicated there would be enough temporary accommodation in and around Oamaru to cope and a "workers' camp" would not be needed.
Once in operation, about 116 workers would be needed for the plant and quarries and up to 25 management and technical staff. Some would transfer from the Westport plant.
A further 180 "indirect" jobs could be created in the local goods and services sector.
Incoming permanent staff would need about 25 houses.
"These new residents and their families can be expected to make a long-term positive contribution to local organisations, schools, communities and the economy," he said.
The hearing
• What Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd plans: a $300 million cement plant, coal mine, limestone and sand quarries in the Waiareka Valley, 2.5km from Weston.
• The Otago Regional and Waitaki District Councils granted 46 resource consents in February, 2008.
• Consents appealed to the Environment Court by Holcim, the Waiareka Valley Preservation Society and Andrew Renalson, with interested parties Waitaha Waitaki Trust Board and Te Runanganui O Waitaha Me Mata Waka Inc, and respondents the two councils.
• Being heard by Judge Gordon Whiting, commissioner Charles Manning and deputy commissioner Dr Bruce Gollop. Hearing ran from March 9 to 11, then from March 30 until completed.
