Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Project Aqua 'Call In' Patently Unfair
Project Aqua 'Call In' Patently Unfair
The Government's `call in' of Project Aqua, under the procedures of the Resource Management Act, raises a number of issues while, at the same time, highlighting two points of conflict, ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader Ken Shirley said today.
"Firstly, when the private sector is buckling under the weight of regulatory constraints and frustrating RMA procedures, why should a Government-owned enterprise receive special `fast-track treatment'?
"A streamlining of the consent procedure is long overdue but, in spite of its rhetoric, the Labour Government has failed to address these issues in two RMA amendments it has introduced.
"It is completely unacceptable for a Government-backed project to get the green light, while everyone else's languishes in the RMA inertia.
"The
second issue is Environment Minister Marian Hobbs' attempts
to placate everyone by saying she will initiate the `call
in' procedures. At the same time, she is claiming that
all decisions will be taken at the local level. These
two positions are mutually exclusive, and Ms Hobbs should
stop the charade," Mr Shirley said.
Gordon Campbell: On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
Brendon McMahon - Local Democracy Reporter: West Coast Swim Spot Testing Clear Of E-coli
Green Party: Government Throws Coal On The Climate Crisis Fire
Labour Party: Public Transport Costs To Double As National Looks At Unaffordable Roading Project Instead
The Treasury: New Paper On A Framework For Assessing The Economic And Fiscal Impacts Of Climate Change
Government: Pet Bonds A Win/Win For Renters And Landlords
Government: New Zealand Condemns Iranian Strikes
