Govt does right by the environment with Amendments

Tuesday, 18 August 2009, 1:59 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

Media Release
Distribution: All media

Finally government does the right thing for the environment with RMA Amendments - but still a few problems

The report back to Parliament of the Local Government and Environment Select Committee report on the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill has occurred today.

The report shows that the select committee has listened carefully and the Government has retreated from some of the most contentious proposals.

"Finally we have some good decisions for the environment from the Government," said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

"The Bill as reported back is much improved.

"The select committee and the Government have completely dropped the proposal to place restrictions on district plan appeals to the Environment Court. That was the worst proposed change and it is now gone completely. Communities and business interests will still be able to participate in shaping plans that guide development in regions and districts. The RMA retains its participatory and democratic approach to plan making.

"The other contentious proposal that has been dropped is the removal of non-complying activity status from plans. In short, that would have lowered environmental standards and required every plan in the country to go through a major change process that would have been costly, time-consuming and to no good purpose. The retention of non-complying activity status means that councils will retain the ability to say 'no' if development proposals with more than minor environmental effects are contrary to the plan's objectives and policies.

"The main change that was sought by many submitters that has not been made is the removal of tree protection provisions in district plans, from 2012. That is disappointing and I'm sure that we will hear more about that issue as the bill proceeds through the Parliamentary process. Our view is that any problems with tree protection rules should be dealt with through the normal district plan review process. Government should stick to improving process and avoid legislating on specific environmental issues.

"The key objective of the reforms - simplifying and streamlining - has still been achieved so the Minister for the Environment should be pleased with that outcome. In addition, the fast-track for major infrastructure projects remains largely intact so development interests should be satisfied.

"There are a number of second order but still important, issues where changes have been made that will need further analysis before their efficacy can be judged. These include amendments relating to section 274 rights to join appeals; changes to notification provisions for resource consents; cross-submissions on proposed plans; and security for costs.

"Overall, with the exception of the tree protection issue, and the second order issues, the proposed amendments can be seen as a win for the environment and a win for major infrastructure providers.

"I think the select committee and the Minister should be commended for listening and being prepared to shift ground. This is a much better Bill than when it started out," Gary Taylor concluded

The Report of the Local Government and Environment Select Committee is available on the EDS website www.eds.org.nz .

ENDS

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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.

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