BUDGET 2015: $4m extra for EPA to administer new offshore resources regime
EPA had been struggling to meet the unexpectedly high costs of the new regime.
The Environmental Protection Authority's plea for additional funding to support administration of the new regime governing the Exclusive Economic Zone, resulted in a $4 million boost to funding.
The EPA had been struggling to meet the unexpectedly high costs of the new regime, which for the first time sets up a regulatory framework for exploiting resources in New Zealand's vast oceanic area, the fourth largest in the world.
The announcement was part of a four-year $41.2 million package of measures to assist compliance with the government's new freshwater management regime and Resource Management Act reforms.
Environment Minister Nick Smith appeared to give guidance on the likely shape of RMA reforms, which he said would "involve stronger national direction and greater use of National Policy Standards and National Environmental Standards."
The government has lost the one-seat majority it gained at the September election, which would have allowed more substantive reforms to the RMA. Some $20.4 million over four years would go to this purpose.
Some $16.8 million over four years for freshwater management would enable progress on the management of lakes, rivers and aquifers, with major decisions required on policy for coastal lagoons, Maori rights and interests, and collaborative approaches to managing freshwater at a local government level.
(BusinessDesk)
Pattrick Smellie
Thu, 21 May 2015
Thu, 21 May 2015
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BUDGET 2015: $4m extra for EPA to administer new offshore resources regime
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