New powers will lead to ratepayer discontent

ACT local government spokesman Owen Jennings says new powers given to local authorities today are worrying.

"Some local authorities are just not responsible enough to manage the new process of instant fines for breaches of the Resource Management Act," Mr Jennings said.

"Concerns have already been expressed about the way some local authorities are managing their regulatory functions under the Act, with complaints of unfairness, intimidation and lack of due process. Giving local body staff the power to impose instant fines of up to $1,000 in an area where there is already a large measure of opposition is just a recipe for more ratepayer discontent.

"These new powers would not be out of place in a police state. The result of these new powers will simply be more calls for changes to the Resource Management Act which penalises law-abiding property owners," Mr Jennings said.

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