Guy Welcomes RMA Changes for Region
Otaki MP Nathan Guy says widespread changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) will help fast-track vital infrastructural developments in both the Kapiti and Horowhenua Districts.
“Infrastructure is one of the key issues in the Otaki electorate and there are significant projects in the pipeline that will benefit from changes to the RMA – like the proposed Western Link Road, Transmission Gully and any potential water storage options requiring earthworks, Mr Guy says.
“The RMA has been frustrating for everyone from homeowners to businesses. The key aspect of these changes is to try and make the RMA more user friendly”
“The National Government knows how important it is to safeguard and protect the environment and to allow people to have their say on different projects that may affect them.
“In the current economic climate we need to reduce red tape and compliance costs to unclog our arteries and get our regional economy moving again”
“We’re determined to make sure the RMA works for all parties and key projects don’t get bogged down with costly and lengthy submission and appeal processes.
The Resource Management (Simplify and Streamline) Amendment Bill contains about 100 amendments and will be introduced to Parliament later this month. It will then be referred to the Environment and Local Government Select Committee for public submissions and hearings.
Key elements of the RMA reform package include:
- Removing frivolous, vexatious and anti-competitive objections
- Streamlining processes for projects of national significance
- Creating an Environmental Protection Authority
- Improving plan development and plan change processes
- Improving resource consent processes
- Streamlining decision making
- Improving workability and compliance