Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
EDS Releases Draft Submission On The Alarming Fast Track Approvals Bill
EDS has today released a first draft of its submission on the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 7 March and has been referred to the Environment Select Committee. Submissions to the Select Committee close 19 April.
The Bill allows Ministers to override controls under important environmental laws, including the Resource Management Act 1991 and Conservation Act 1987. It is deeply disturbing from an environmental and constitutional perspective, and is the worst piece of law proposed since Muldoon’s controversial National Development Act 1979.
“We are releasing our draft submission early to raise awareness of just how bad this Bill is and to help other submitters with their own submissions,” said EDS Reform Director, Dr Greg Severinsen.
“The Bill gives inordinate power to development Ministers to make final decisions on resource consents, conservation concessions, exclusive economic zone consents, conservation land exchanges, wildlife permits and many other approvals. Independent panels are reduced to an advisory role.
“The development purpose of the Bill trumps sustainable management. National direction on freshwater management, the protection of indigenous biodiversity and the coastal environment, and RMA plans, are rendered largely irrelevant.
“Almost all projects are eligible for the fast-track approvals process, including the most damaging activities that are prohibited under the RMA. Projects need only to be of regional or national benefit, an amorphous constraint which is completely open to Ministerial interpretation. Approximately 100 as yet unnamed projects will be specifically listed in a schedule to the Bill and will likely sail right through.
“The process entirely excludes the public and environmental advocates. This means that the public will not be given an opportunity to comment on life-changing developments occurring in their communities. The role of the Courts is curtailed. Decision-making Ministers are those for Transport, Regional Development and Infrastructure. Quite astonishingly, the Minister for the Environment is completely excluded.
“These are just some of the issues with the Bill. It neuters almost all environmental protections in our legal toolkit. It is nothing like previous fast track consenting processes. And because it will largely cut out public involvement, the Select Committee process is the only opportunity people will get to have a say.
“This Bill has monumental implications for everyone. It could result in large-scale infrastructure and development being built right next door, with no ability to comment and no recourse to challenge. It is critical that people tell lawmakers what they think of it,” concluded Dr Severinsen.
EDS is hosting a free public webinar on the Bill and its draft submission. We will also be producing a template submission following the webinar, which people can use for their own submissions.
Date: Thursday 21 March 2024
Time: 12.30pm – 1.15pm
Location: online via zoom webinar
Cost: there is no cost to attend but prior registration is essential
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
Auckland Transport: Driver Safety Screens Now Rolling Out Across Auckland’s Bus Fleet
People Against Prisons Aotearoa: 'Expect Resistance' - Community Group Pushes Back Against More Cops With Guns
Greenpeace: New Zealand Drops In Global Ranking On Climate Action
PSA: Spending Cuts Need To Stop - PSA Urges Govt To Listen To Economists
