The Howick Local Board is concerned at the speed with which the Government is moving its Fast-Track Approvals Bill through Parliament.
The Bill will enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects that are considered to have significant regional or national benefits.
It was recently announced by a group of Government MPs including Botany MP and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Pakuranga MP and Transport, Energy, and Local Government Minister Simeon Brown.
Opposition political parties and Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier have expressed concerns about the amount of power the Bill would give to individual Government ministers.
The local board was asked at its May business meeting to formalise its input into Auckland Council’s submission on the Bill.
The board says it’s concerned the legislation is “being pushed through the parliamentary and public consultation process at an accelerated speed, despite the significant impact on a wide range of legislation”.
The Bill has a lack of consideration for existing council planning documents, the board’s members say.
“In regard to the Bill’s potential to allow large unplanned developments (including housing) reliant on infrastructure for which there is no committed financing, the board notes with concern that development contributions policies are not in place, and therefore infrastructure provision will not be met by applicants.
“In regard to the Bill’s lack of any legal requirement to consider sustainable management of natural and physical resources, the board notes with concern the Bill is likely to enable significant negative impacts on environmental outcomes with little public or independent oversight and accountability.”
The board is also worried about the potential impact to environmental and cultural sites stemming from the Bill as well as the limited opportunities for the public to participate in the process.
“[We] note with concern there is little ability for local voices to be heard and extremely limited ability for any challenge, beyond points of law to the High Court.
“[We] note with concern the inability to seek public submissions, and the lack of a requirement for a hearing, may raise concerns about transparency and accountability.”
The board says it has concerns the delegation of final approval for any project to joint ministers may lead to the perception that decisions are political or biased and suggests decisions be made by expert panels instead of ministers.
- Disclosure: Howick Local Board deputy chairperson Bo Burns is the owner of the Times.
