RMA: Cabinet approves new legislation to fast-track resource consents and boost economy as it emerges from lockdown

Environment Minister David Parker said new legislation was expected to be passed in June to allow for faster Resource Management Act (RMA) consenting of development and infrastructure projects, in response to the damage the coronavirus pandemic was having on the economy….

Under the new powers resource consent decisions for large projects would not go to council and public input would not happen. Instead, a panel of experts chaired by an Environment Court judge would determine whether a project could be given the green light, he said…

Both private and public projects would be eligible for the fast-tracked process such as roading, walking and cycling, rail, housing, sediment removal from silted rivers and estuaries, new wetland construction, flood management works, and projects to prevent landfill erosion.

Abridged: Stuff article, John Anthony May 03 2020

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/121386639/coronavirus-cabinet-approves-new-legislation-to-fasttrack-resource-consents-and-boost-economy-as-it-emerges-from-lockdown

LWAG May 2020