Parliament advises that “the chairperson of the Environment Committee is now calling for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The Fast-track Approvals Bill is an omnibus bill. It would enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects that are considered to have significant regional or national benefits.”
The chief executive of Forest and Bird, Nicola Toki, says three Government ministers will be given unbridled power to approve any development they want, no matter how damaging to the environment. Listen to RNZ’s Morning Report audio on it here.
Read about The New Zealand Planning Institute’s concerns around the bill here.
To make a submission, go the NZ Parliament webpage here, scroll down and click on the “I am ready to make my submission” box. Closing date: Friday 19th April 5pm.
Here is a great guide you could use to help you write your submission: Submission guide to the Fast-Track Approvals Bill.
The Forum endorsed Submission can be read here: 2024-04-16 Submission on Fast Track Approvals Bill Nelson Tasman Climate Forum
The Nature and Climate Group of the Forum also made one, that you can read here: FTA Bill Nature and Climate Group Submission 19 April 2024