The Government has announced details of legislation to be pushed through Parliament to help speed up the recovery process in quake-devastated Canterbury.Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill
The Government has announced details of legislation to be pushed through Parliament to help speed up the recovery process in quake-devastated Canterbury.
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill would allow Orders in Council to go directly to the council, without first being approved by the cabinet.
"These orders in council will authorise amendments, suspension, or exemptions of the relevant legislation to enable the recovery and repair of damage caused by the Canterbury earthquake to progress in a timely manner."
Put simply, the bill, to be introduced tomorrow, will exempt or relax legislation as it applies to the emergency and recovery response.
"For example, sewage pipes that are cracked may be able to be diverted to ensure water supply remains safe and local councils aren't liable for prosecution. If a heritage building needs strengthening urgently rather than waiting for resource consents and approvals the work could start immediately and consents would be granted retrospectively."
Mr Brownlee said the legislation would expire no later than April 1, 2012.
"It also creates a commission that includes the mayors of the three worst-hit districts -- Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn. The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission will link decision makers on the ground in Canterbury directly with government ministers."
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