Bold changes needed to 'growth-killer' RMA – Banks
The ACT Party leader says proposed changes place more emphasis on development, but too many restrictions remain.
ACT Party leader John Banks says a report recommending changes to the growth-killing Resource Management Act is a step in the right direction, but bolder reforms are needed.
A technical advisory group appointed by environment minister Amy Adams to review the act has released its proposals.
Among its suggestions, it proposes dropping "protection" requirements for the coastal environment, and would require local councils to consider natural hazards when granting resource consents.
Mr Banks says the recommended changes to sections six and seven of the act are a good start.
"The principles as they stand give too much power to those who like to interfere with the property of others, and not enough rights to property owners.
"The new principles include much more emphasis on the benefits of developments and infrastructure."
The inclusion of "economic considerations" to the principles is crucial to raising the country's productivity, Mr Banks says.
However, the changes only go some way to fixing the problems the RMA causes.
"The principles still contain too much vague language.
"For example, they require people exercising powers under the act to consider 'outstanding natural features'.
"This has little to do with the environment, and instead means councils can decide that they like the look of your land, call it 'outstanding' and place restrictions on its use."
He says requirements such as this are what has caused the RMA to become a "growth-killer".
Caleb Allison
Fri, 06 Jul 2012
Fri, 06 Jul 2012
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Bold changes needed to 'growth-killer' RMA – Banks
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