Latest news with #SallyJones
Otago Daily Times
23-04-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Hooker Valley Track bridge permanently shut
After heavy rainfall at Easter weekend, a bridge on the Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, has been closed permanently by the Department of Conservation (Doc). The second bridge on the Hooker Valley Track has been affected by riverbank erosion from wind and rain events over the past few years and is also susceptible to heavy snowfall. Doc staff and engineers have been closely monitoring riverbank erosion at the bridge, and following the recent heavy rain at Easter, the bridge was closed. "We've been managing the second bridge for the past couple of years, adding micro piling and other measures but continued erosion of the riverbank, with the prospect of more heavy rain and snow loading this winter, we have made the decision to close the bridge permanently," Doc asset management director Shan Baththana said. Doc Aoraki/Mount Cook operations manager Sally Jones said while it was disappointing to have to close the bridge, public safety was Doc's No 1 priority. The walk up the Hooker Valley is closed temporarily until access to the lower part of the track is secured and a new suspension bridge is built. "Walking up the Hooker Valley to see Aoraki and staying at the popular Hooker Hut is a highlight for many visitors and the temporary closure of the track will disrupt plans. "But public safety is always No 1. "We're now focused on securing the site so we can reopen the lower section of the track as soon as possible." A new 189m-long suspension bridge was being built on the Hooker Valley Track, she said. Once complete, it will be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country — and a remarkable way to safely experience the power and beauty of this landscape. One of New Zealand's best day hikes, Hooker Valley Track is used by about half a million visitors annually and is the most popular visitor attraction in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Work had already started on the bridge project with track building around the site. The aim is to have it open in autumn next year. The number of visitors was increasing to the national park but a worrying trend was emerging. "We're seeing visitors going off track through fragile vegetation and rocky terrain," Ms Jones said. "This not only causes lasting damage to the environment — it also puts people at real risk. "The landscape here is breathtaking but unforgiving. "We ask everyone to think carefully about where they're walking and climbing, and to stick to marked tracks for their own safety and to help protect this special place for others." — APL
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Scoop
Bridge On Popular Hooker Valley Track At Aoraki/Mount Cook Closed After Heavy Rainfall
Press Release – Department of Conservation DOC staff and engineers have been closely monitoring riverbank erosion at the bridge, and following the recent heavy rain over Easter, the bridge was closed. After heavy rainfall over Easter weekend, a bridge on the Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, has been closed by the Department of Conservation. The second bridge on the Hooker Valley Track has been impacted by riverbank erosion from wind and rain events over the past few years and is also susceptible to heavy snowfalls. DOC staff and engineers have been closely monitoring riverbank erosion at the bridge, and following the recent heavy rain over Easter, the bridge was closed. 'We've been managing the second bridge for the past couple of years, adding micro piling and other measures but continued erosion of the riverbank, with the prospect of more heavy rain and snow loading this winter, we have made the decision to close the bridge permanently,' says DOC Director of Asset Management Shan Baththana. DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook Operations Manager Sally Jones says while it's disappointing to have to close the bridge, public safety is DOC's number one priority. She says the walk up the Hooker Valley is closed temporarily until access to the lower part of the track is secured and a new suspension bridge is built. 'Walking up the Hooker Valley to see Aoraki and staying at the popular Hooker Hut is a highlight for many visitors and the temporary closure of the track will disrupt plans. But public safety is always number one.' 'We're now focused on securing the site so we can reopen the lower section of the track as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are several other beautiful and accessible walks that remain open and offer those stunning views of Aoraki that people love. Kea Point is a great place for visitors to get those once in a lifetime photos. Aoraki/Mount Village is still very much open for business.' Sally Jones says what's exciting is the new 189-metre-long suspension bridge being built on the Hooker Valley track. She says the new bridge is a significant investment in the long-term resilience of the Hooker Valley Track. Once complete, it will be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country — and a remarkable way to safely experience the power and beauty of this landscape. The new bridge has been specifically designed to withstand more extreme weather events. 'One of New Zealand's best day hikes, Hooker Valley Track is used by around half a million visitors annually and is the most popular visitor attraction in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We are committed to investing in these well-loved nature experiences. We need to continue to provide safe access and make sure our infrastructure is future proofed against the effects of climate change, rainfall and winds. Nature is our most important economic asset and sustains industries like tourism.' Sally Jones says work has already started on the bridge project with track building around the site. The aim is to have it open in Autumn 2026. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has over one million visitors annually and is second only to Fiordland in terms of most popular New Zealand national parks for international visitors. Sally Jones says the number of visitors is increasing and she does have a message for those visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook. 'A concerning trend we're seeing is visitors going off track through fragile vegetation and rocky terrain. This not only causes lasting damage to the environment — it also puts people at real risk. The landscape here is breathtaking but unforgiving. We ask everyone to think carefully about where they're walking and climbing, and to stick to marked tracks for their own safety and to help protect this special place for others. We all have a responsibility to do this. DOC staff work hard to keep people safe and over the next year while we are building the new bridge, we need everyone to respect the environment and the advice we give.'
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Scoop
Bridge On Popular Hooker Valley Track At Aoraki/Mount Cook Closed After Heavy Rainfall
After heavy rainfall over Easter weekend, a bridge on the Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, has been closed by the Department of Conservation. The second bridge on the Hooker Valley Track has been impacted by riverbank erosion from wind and rain events over the past few years and is also susceptible to heavy snowfalls. DOC staff and engineers have been closely monitoring riverbank erosion at the bridge, and following the recent heavy rain over Easter, the bridge was closed. 'We've been managing the second bridge for the past couple of years, adding micro piling and other measures but continued erosion of the riverbank, with the prospect of more heavy rain and snow loading this winter, we have made the decision to close the bridge permanently,' says DOC Director of Asset Management Shan Baththana. DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook Operations Manager Sally Jones says while it's disappointing to have to close the bridge, public safety is DOC's number one priority. She says the walk up the Hooker Valley is closed temporarily until access to the lower part of the track is secured and a new suspension bridge is built. 'Walking up the Hooker Valley to see Aoraki and staying at the popular Hooker Hut is a highlight for many visitors and the temporary closure of the track will disrupt plans. But public safety is always number one.' 'We're now focused on securing the site so we can reopen the lower section of the track as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are several other beautiful and accessible walks that remain open and offer those stunning views of Aoraki that people love. Kea Point is a great place for visitors to get those once in a lifetime photos. Aoraki/Mount Village is still very much open for business.' Sally Jones says what's exciting is the new 189-metre-long suspension bridge being built on the Hooker Valley track. She says the new bridge is a significant investment in the long-term resilience of the Hooker Valley Track. Once complete, it will be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country — and a remarkable way to safely experience the power and beauty of this landscape. The new bridge has been specifically designed to withstand more extreme weather events. 'One of New Zealand's best day hikes, Hooker Valley Track is used by around half a million visitors annually and is the most popular visitor attraction in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We are committed to investing in these well-loved nature experiences. We need to continue to provide safe access and make sure our infrastructure is future proofed against the effects of climate change, rainfall and winds. Nature is our most important economic asset and sustains industries like tourism.' Sally Jones says work has already started on the bridge project with track building around the site. The aim is to have it open in Autumn 2026. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has over one million visitors annually and is second only to Fiordland in terms of most popular New Zealand national parks for international visitors. Sally Jones says the number of visitors is increasing and she does have a message for those visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook. 'A concerning trend we're seeing is visitors going off track through fragile vegetation and rocky terrain. This not only causes lasting damage to the environment — it also puts people at real risk. The landscape here is breathtaking but unforgiving. We ask everyone to think carefully about where they're walking and climbing, and to stick to marked tracks for their own safety and to help protect this special place for others. We all have a responsibility to do this. DOC staff work hard to keep people safe and over the next year while we are building the new bridge, we need everyone to respect the environment and the advice we give.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chevron and other oil firms exit Red Sea concessions, redirect efforts
Chevron, alongside other multinational oil and gas companies, has exited its Red Sea oil and gas concession blocks in Egypt after failing to make any discoveries. The Egyptian petroleum ministry confirmed that these companies are now redirecting their resources to other regions within the country, particularly the Mediterranean, reported Reuters. Egypt awarded its first oil and gas exploration concessions in the Red Sea to Chevron, Shell, and Mubadala Investment Company in 2019. Moataz Atef, spokesperson for the ministry said: "Companies have spent millions on their concessions within the agreed time frames.' He noted that one unnamed company invested $34m, exceeding its initial commitment of $10m, but did not achieve the desired results. Chevron has confirmed relinquishing its 45% stake in Red Sea Block 1 in the northern part of the Red Sea. The company operates the block with partners including Woodside Energy, while Shell operates Block 3 with Woodside Energy and QatarEnergy. Chevron spokesperson Sally Jones said: "Chevron remains committed to working with the government of Egypt and our partners to support the growth of Egypt's energy sector through our exploration programmes in the Mediterranean.' The ministry did not disclose the names of other companies that have exited the Red Sea blocks. Shell declined to comment, and Mubadala, Woodside Energy, and QatarEnergy were not immediately available for comment, the report said. Despite these exits, the ministry remains optimistic about the potential of the concession areas. Both Shell and Chevron have applied for new concessions in the Mediterranean Sea, reaffirming their commitment to Egypt's oil and gas sector. Chevron has expressed interest in three other exploration blocks in Egypt, including two as an operator in the Mediterranean. Egypt's gas production was 4.6 billion cubic metres (bcm) in January 2024 but declined to 3.6bcm by January 2025, according to data from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative. Atef assured that Egypt would meet rising electricity demand this summer, with plans for three to four floating storage and regasification units to stabilise natural gas supply. He added that LNG shipments were secured, and an emergency plan was developed to tackle unexpected demand increases. Last summer, Egypt faced power shortages due to high cooling demand, leading to load-shedding and imports costing around $1.18bn. The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) intends to execute seven gas development initiatives and introduce 24 new wells into the production landscape in the fiscal year 2025/26. "Chevron and other oil firms exit Red Sea concessions, redirect efforts" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
An oil pumping station in Russia burned for a week after a drone strike. The company says it's affected shareholders.
A Russian oil pumping station was ablaze a week after a drone strike. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium accused Ukraine of a "terrorist" attack on it. It said oil transfer is halted and its shareholders are being impacted. An oil pumping station in Russia that was targeted by a suspected Ukrainian drone strike was still on fire a week later, with its parent company saying that the losses were hitting its shareholders. The Kavkazskaya pump station, in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, was struck in an overnight attack that began on March 18. The station is part of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which lists multiple oil producers among its partners, including Chevron-led Tengizchevroil. CPC said the site pumped about 1.5 million tons of crude oil in 2024. Authorities initially said that drone debris hit a pipeline, starting a 215-square-ft blaze that quickly spread. According to Russian reports, the fire expanded dramatically within a matter of days. The fire was finally extinguished on Tuesday after spreading up to 100,000 square feet, the region's governor, Veniamin Kondratiev, said. CPC accused Ukraine of a "terrorist" attack and said that, combined with an earlier strike on another pumping station, it's had a "destructive impact on the CPC financials," which will "impact all of its shareholders." The pipeline is a major oil export route for Kazakhstan, with state-owned KazMunaiGaz holding a 19% share. The Russian government, which holds 24%, is the consortium's largest shareholder. The station will not be transporting oil "in the foreseeable future," the company said. However, Sally Jones, a spokesperson for Chevron, told Business Insider in a statement that Tengizchevroil's production and export of crude oil via the CPC "remain uninterrupted." Ukraine has used strikes on Russian oil and gas infrastructure as part of its response to Russia's full-scale invasion. The latest energy infrastructure damage came amid President Donald Trump's attempts to mediate a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine. Russian reports said that the initial fire started a chain reaction involving an explosion and an oil spill that ignited, with more than 450 firefighters deployed to tackle it. NASA's satellite-powered FIRMS fire-tracking tool appeared to show that what had been a single hot spot at the site on March 19 had expanded out to three large areas as of early Tuesday. The fire was the latest in a series of attacks on CPC facilities. The consortium said that Russian air defenses repelled an overnight drone attack on the same site on Monday. Meanwhile, on February 17, CPC said a nearby pumping station, Kropotkinskaya, was attacked "by seven UAVs loaded with explosives and shrapnel," which reduced its output. Read the original article on Business Insider
