Latest news with #FastTrackApprovalsAct2024
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Regional Council Commits To Engaging On Seabed Mining Application Process
Taranaki Regional Council is keenly aware of and understands the desire from the community to state a position on the TTR seabed mining application, says Chair Craig Williamson. 'The Council is fully committed to its task of engaging with the process as maybe the region's only 'relevant local authority,' which brings certain opportunities to input into and potentially influence the outcome that other councils and the public will not have,' Mr Williamson says. 'Any formal position taken at this time by the Council will jeopardise its ability to participate, because of bias and predetermination. Council cannot be considered to offer fair and balanced advice, evidence and opinions on the application if it has a fomalised, publicly stated position on the matter. 'Because the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 introduced by the Coalition Government does not give the public the ability to freely submit on the application, the Council considers it essential that it be able to participate in the process. 'This means that for now, the Council must maintain a neutral stance to ensure that is allowed to continue to participate in the fast-track approvals process but will reassess its position after considering the all the latest information and data made available during the submission process.' The Council expects to be considered and confirmed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as a 'relevant local authority' in the very near future, although this is still subject to confirmation by the EPA. Under the Fast Track Approvals Act, a decision on the application will solely be made by a panel created by the EPA for this purpose 'It is critical for the regional council to have a voice in this process as the legislation provides limited opportunities for public input. Waiting to consider all the information enables the Taranaki Regional Council to have a seat at the table,' adds Mr Williamson. 'If the regional council is identified as a 'relevant local authority' our responsibilities are to nominate a member to that decision-making panel, provide written comments on the application and, if a hearing is held, being able to speak to those comments. 'We would also provide additional information if requested by the EPA and provide comments on the conditions if the panel decides to grant the application. If the application is approved, we would expect to be involved in monitoring of the consent conditions.' The panel is expected to be appointed by mid to late July and the Council will be able to provide details of its appointee when the full panel members are identified. By law, the Fast Track Approvals Act only allows relevant local authorities, identified iwi authorities, and select others to make written comments on the application. Other local authorities and the public are excluded from making submissions unless invited to do so by the panel. While the Council, as the relevant local authority, will not initially be taking a formal stance on the application, Mr Williamson confirms it will be able to do so at the time of providing the Council's written comments.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Environmental Defence Society Strikes Procedural Fast-Track Win
Press Release – Environmental Defence Society The EPAs previous approach meant that it was sitting on application documentation for weeks without the public knowing. Thats precious time that interested parties can now use to review a projects technical information. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the administrating agency of the Fast-Track Approvals Act, has accepted the Environmental Defence Society's (EDS) contention that it has not been lawfully applying the Act. The EPA's concession comes after EDS's Barrister Rob Enright wrote to the EPA asserting that the Fast-Track Approvals Act required the EPA to publicly release all information provided to it without delay. Previously, the EPA only published application information once it was deemed complete and within scope. As the EPA stated in its reply to EDS: 'As you are aware the EPA had taken a position that the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 does not require the publication of incomplete applications. Following your correspondence we have reviewed our position, and agree that, on balance, the documents you have listed must be published by the EPA.' 'This U-turn by the EPA is a significant win that will provide greater transparency in the implementation of a law that is otherwise stacked against public involvement,' said EDS's Chief Operating Officer Shay Schlaepfer. 'The EPA's previous approach meant that it was sitting on application documentation for weeks without the public knowing. That's precious time that interested parties can now use to review a project's technical information. 'This is hugely important given the pace at which applications proceed through the fast-track process and the potentially life-changing impacts of projects on people and the natural environment. Parties need as much time as possible to assess their interest in individual projects and to prepare their cases, including briefing experts and engaging legal counsel. 'We are pleased that the EPA has accepted our position on this occasion and praise its prompt rectification of the issue. 'We now expect to see application documentation published on the website when it is first lodged with the EPA. That should include an application's full Assessment of Environmental Effects. As the EPA accepted in its response to us '[t]he Act does contain a positive duty to act promptly where no time limit has been set and establishes a duty for the EPA to avoid delay as far as reasonably practicable.' 'Despite the fast-track law being largely inhospitable to the principles of natural justice, EDS continues to investigate ways in which it can be implemented to best serve the public interest. Where they exist, we will find them,' concluded Ms Schlaepfer. EDS has published a plain-English peer-reviewed guide of the Fast-track Approvals Act which is freely available at
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Environmental Defence Society Strikes Procedural Fast-Track Win
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the administrating agency of the Fast-Track Approvals Act, has accepted the Environmental Defence Society's (EDS) contention that it has not been lawfully applying the Act. The EPA's concession comes after EDS's Barrister Rob Enright wrote to the EPA asserting that the Fast-Track Approvals Act required the EPA to publicly release all information provided to it without delay. Previously, the EPA only published application information once it was deemed complete and within scope. As the EPA stated in its reply to EDS: 'As you are aware the EPA had taken a position that the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 does not require the publication of incomplete applications. Following your correspondence we have reviewed our position, and agree that, on balance, the documents you have listed must be published by the EPA.' 'This U-turn by the EPA is a significant win that will provide greater transparency in the implementation of a law that is otherwise stacked against public involvement,' said EDS's Chief Operating Officer Shay Schlaepfer. 'The EPA's previous approach meant that it was sitting on application documentation for weeks without the public knowing. That's precious time that interested parties can now use to review a project's technical information. 'This is hugely important given the pace at which applications proceed through the fast-track process and the potentially life-changing impacts of projects on people and the natural environment. Parties need as much time as possible to assess their interest in individual projects and to prepare their cases, including briefing experts and engaging legal counsel. 'We are pleased that the EPA has accepted our position on this occasion and praise its prompt rectification of the issue. 'We now expect to see application documentation published on the website when it is first lodged with the EPA. That should include an application's full Assessment of Environmental Effects. As the EPA accepted in its response to us '[t]he Act does contain a positive duty to act promptly where no time limit has been set and establishes a duty for the EPA to avoid delay as far as reasonably practicable.' 'Despite the fast-track law being largely inhospitable to the principles of natural justice, EDS continues to investigate ways in which it can be implemented to best serve the public interest. Where they exist, we will find them,' concluded Ms Schlaepfer. EDS has published a plain-English peer-reviewed guide of the Fast-track Approvals Act which is freely available at EDS's letter and the EPA's reply are available here and here. 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.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Environmental Defence Society Strikes Procedural Fast-Track Win
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the administrating agency of the Fast-Track Approvals Act, has accepted the Environmental Defence Society's (EDS) contention that it has not been lawfully applying the Act. The EPA's concession comes after EDS's Barrister Rob Enright wrote to the EPA asserting that the Fast-Track Approvals Act required the EPA to publicly release all information provided to it without delay. Previously, the EPA only published application information once it was deemed complete and within scope. As the EPA stated in its reply to EDS: 'As you are aware the EPA had taken a position that the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 does not require the publication of incomplete applications. Following your correspondence we have reviewed our position, and agree that, on balance, the documents you have listed must be published by the EPA.' 'This U-turn by the EPA is a significant win that will provide greater transparency in the implementation of a law that is otherwise stacked against public involvement,' said EDS's Chief Operating Officer Shay Schlaepfer. 'The EPA's previous approach meant that it was sitting on application documentation for weeks without the public knowing. That's precious time that interested parties can now use to review a project's technical information. 'This is hugely important given the pace at which applications proceed through the fast-track process and the potentially life-changing impacts of projects on people and the natural environment. Parties need as much time as possible to assess their interest in individual projects and to prepare their cases, including briefing experts and engaging legal counsel. 'We are pleased that the EPA has accepted our position on this occasion and praise its prompt rectification of the issue. 'We now expect to see application documentation published on the website when it is first lodged with the EPA. That should include an application's full Assessment of Environmental Effects. As the EPA accepted in its response to us '[t]he Act does contain a positive duty to act promptly where no time limit has been set and establishes a duty for the EPA to avoid delay as far as reasonably practicable.' 'Despite the fast-track law being largely inhospitable to the principles of natural justice, EDS continues to investigate ways in which it can be implemented to best serve the public interest. Where they exist, we will find them,' concluded Ms Schlaepfer. EDS has published a plain-English peer-reviewed guide of the Fast-track Approvals Act which is freely available at EDS's letter and the EPA's reply are available here and here. 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.
