BusinessNZ says draftlegislation to amend the Resource Management Act is worthwhile.

Chief Executive Phil O’Reillysays business is disappointed that the political landscape has made it impossibleto change the Act substantively to make it more fit for its purpose ofpromoting sustainable development.

But he says the changescontained in the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill released today couldsignificantly improve planning and consenting processes.

“While the Bill does not meaningfullyaddress core fundamental problems with the RMA, it does make way forimprovements in the way the RMA is implemented.

“The Bill would give betterdirection to councils in developing plans, allow for faster consenting, curbcouncil fees and constrain councils from some overly intrusive regulation -changes that would be welcomed by business.

“If passed, this Bill couldremove a significant amount of the frustration experienced by applicants forresource consents.”

But Mr O’Reilly said he hopedfuture legislation would address RMA issues not addressed by the Bill including:

• RMA’s damaging “either/or” approach to the environment and the economy – instead of supporting and facilitating both
• RMA’s preoccupation with sustainable management, to the detriment of sustainable development
• RMA’s lack of recognition of property rights
• RMA’s lack of compensation for removal of property rights or loss of value
• RMA’s lack of provision for contestable consenting

Contact:

Phone:

Email: