By Kay Keam - 1 Jun 2009
The Resource Management Act (Simplifying and Streamlining)
Amendment Bill was introduced into Parliament in February 2009. The
proposed changes may help bring your plans to fruition faster
The Environment Minister, Nick Smith, stated:
"Changes to the Resource Management Act will simplify and
streamline processes without compromising environmental
protection."
Key changes
- Removing frivolous, vexatious and anti-competitive
objections.
The Resource Management Act (Simplifying and Streamlining)
Amendment Bill ("the Bill") will discourage frivolous and vexatious
appeals by::
- Again allowing the Environment Court to require security for
costs
- Increasing the filing fee for an appeal from $55 to $500
- Allowing the applicant to seek compensation for loss caused by
an appeal, if the Environment Court declares the appeal
anti-competitive.
- Streamlining processes for projects of national
significance
- Creating an Environmental Protection
Authority
- Improving plan development and plan change
processes
The Bill reduces the ability to make broad objections to proposed
plans. The Bill also removes the local authorities'
requirement to summarise and allow comment on objections to a
proposed plan.
- Improving resource consent processes
- Notification allows members of the public to oppose a
resource consent application
The Bill removes the presumption in favour of
notification. The time limits for processing applications are also
tightened.
- Streamlining decision-making
- Improving workability and compliance
- Improving national instruments
As Parliament has not yet given final approval to the Bill,
changes may be made to it before it becomes law.
If you would like help with resource management
issues, please contact Elise Markwick.