Fast-Track Approvals Bill Debate: A Focus on Environmental and Treaty Considerations

In a detailed parliamentary debate concerning Part 1 of the Fast-Track Approvals Bill, members discussed key issues related to "ineligible activities," environmental considerations, and Treaty obligations. The session also highlighted specific projects within Schedule 2.

Ineligible Activities: A Key Debate Topic

The discussion prominently featured the definition of "ineligible activity" as outlined in clause 4A. Labour's Hon Rachel Brooking raised concerns about excluding activities prohibited under the Resource Management Act 1991 and those inconsistent with water conservation orders, arguing that such exclusions could undermine environmental protections.

Minister responsible for RMA Reform, Hon Chris Bishop, defended the bill’s framework by emphasizing its role in facilitating projects deemed beneficial on a regional or national scale. He assured that expert panel assessments would thoroughly consider environmental impacts and other relevant factors.

Emphasis on Environmental Considerations

Environmental considerations were central to the debate, with Lan Pham from the Green Party highlighting concerns about private developments like NZSki’s Bream Bay sand extraction project and Winton Land Co.’s Hope Bypass development. She stressed potential adverse effects on local iwi and advocated for greater public input.

Minister Bishop reiterated that the expert panel process includes provisions to address environmental impacts comprehensively, ensuring consultations with relevant stakeholders during decision-making processes.

Treaty Obligations in Focus

The debate also addressed how the bill incorporates Treaty obligations. Steve Abel from the Green Party questioned the protection of iwi rights concerning projects listed in Schedule 2 and called for explicit legal recognition of these considerations to prevent adverse impacts on Māori interests.

Minister Bishop acknowledged these concerns, noting that while specific clauses directly referencing Te Tiriti o Waitangi were not included, existing legal mechanisms and consultation requirements with relevant Māori entities would be integral to the panel's evaluation process. He assured that an applicant’s compliance history would inform current approvals through comprehensive assessments.

Specific Projects Raise Local Concerns

The debate highlighted specific projects within Schedule 2 that raised local concerns. Rachel Boyack expressed worries about how project details, such as the Hope Bypass route, were specified with little flexibility for community input or changes. She emphasized the importance of accommodating local governance and consultation in these processes.

Minister Bishop responded by explaining that the bill’s definition of "project" allows for adaptability, facilitating potential modifications to project routes within the fast-track framework.

Voting Outcomes: Amendments Rejected, Government Framework Upheld

Several party votes were conducted on various amendments proposed during the debate. Notably, amendments by Rachel Brooking, Steve Abel, Lan Pham, and others aimed at strengthening environmental protections and incorporating Treaty obligations were not agreed upon. These amendments sought to modify clauses related to "ineligible activities" and enhance public consultation requirements.

Conversely, Minister's Amendments (Amendment Paper 238), focused on procedural aspects of the bill such as definitions and processes for project assessments, received broad support from the majority party, reflecting approval of the government’s framework for fast-tracking developments.

Conclusion: Balancing Development with Protection

The parliamentary debate underscored significant concerns regarding balancing economic development with environmental protection. While some proposed amendments aimed at bolstering these protections were not accepted, the government maintained that the expert panel process embedded within the bill provides sufficient mechanisms to address potential issues effectively.