=
Fast Track Bill: Government Unveils 149 New Projects to Fast Track
The government has released a list of 149 projects that will be able to apply for fast-tracked consent under the proposed Fast-track approvals process.
The bill, originally introduced to parliament on March 7th, was said to provide a streamlined decision-making process to “facilitate the delivery of infrastructure and development projects with significant regional or national benefits.” This process would implement a one-stop shop consenting and permitting process.
The list of projects that can be fast-tracked is varied, and inclusion in the list doesn’t mean that it will certainly be completed. From major developments in Auckland’s Eden Park to new mineral mines on the West Coast, the projects encompass a range of industries.
Among the 149 projects listed, its project categories are listed as follows:
- Housing and land development: 58
- Infrastructure: 43
- Renewable Energy: 22
- Mining: 11
- Quarrying: 8
- Aquaculture and Farming: 7
Environmental concerns
Since its introduction, the proposed Fast-track bill has been widely criticised. Environmental and iwi groups have expressed concerns over the bill, stating that it gives ministers too much power, threatens native species, and presents a conflict of interest.
In its original proposal, ministers would have the final say on projects under the fast-tracked approval process. However, the government has since changed this approval power to an expert panel instead.
In June, thousands of people gathered in Auckland’s Aotea Square and marched down Queen St to protest the Fast-track bill. David Parker, Labour’s acting environment spokesperson, stated that the protesters have a “right to be disappointed,” citing the harmful mining projects that could be fast-tracked by the government should the bill be approved.
"The coalition Government has just confirmed a line-up of projects that could wreak havoc on our natural environment," he said.
"We’ve seen worrying cases like the Ōhinemuri River turning orange due to arsenic from an old mine. Dozens of other contaminated sites, many from mining, are still waiting to be cleaned up at the cost of New Zealanders, not the polluters.”
"More than 100 projects were approved under Labour’s version of fast track without overriding environmental laws. This included projects for renewable energy, transmission, housing, roads and retirement villages."
Projects listed underwent a “thorough and robust process”
According to Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, the 149 projects selected by the government went through a "thorough and robust process.”
"The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or national benefits. They will make a big difference in the regions by delivering jobs and growth and develop a pipeline of major projects to help boost the economy,”
"The projects have been selected through a thorough and robust process which included an open application process run by Ministry for the Environment, analysis by officials, an independent assessment and recommendations process by an independent advisory group, and final decisions by Cabinet."
Jones mentions that project developers will be able to apply for an expert panel to assess their project with the Environmental Protection Authority once the bill has passed.
The original approved list of projects included 342 projects. However, this has been reduced to 149 to meet the capacity of the expert panels. Jones said that the fast-track expert panels would "function much the same way” as the fast-track legislation created by the previous government during COVID-19.
"Expert panels will include members with technical expertise relevant to a project, expertise in environmental matters, and where relevant, conservation, and the Treaty of Waitangi," he said.
Fast-track process would mitigate New Zealand’s housing crisis
The coalition government has made no secret of its intentions to solve New Zealand’s housing crisis and keep building costs low. The fast-track process is a means to do just that by cutting through the red tape that has made building more difficult in the country.
"For example, the 44 listed housing developments will enable up to 55,000 new homes to be consented in New Zealand’s major growth centres and across our regions, playing a significant part in addressing New Zealand’s housing crisis," Jones said.
He also adds that while builders whose projects are eligible for the fast-track process may be eligible to apply, it doesn’t mean they will go ahead with it. Jones also says that this process will speed up necessary projects in the transport, aquaculture, farming, quarrying, mining, and renewable energy sectors.
"Our regions and the New Zealanders living in them have enormous potential, and the fast-track projects, freed up from stifling consenting processes, are another change that is giving them back the wings they deserve."
Key takeaway
The Environment Select Committee will report back with an update on the Fast-track bill in mid-October. Meanwhile, builders and contractors should stay informed on any new legislation passed by the government and use it to find new project opportunities.
Bonded NZ helps builders and contractors find the best insurance, warranties, and surety bonds that keep their best interests in mind. Whether it's a big or small project, our cost-effective options help them secure their projects at every angle.
For more information about our services, contact our team today.