SNAs will go - eventually
Despite some earlier confusion around the exact timing, the new Government is moving to reform the way local bodies implement Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) rules on farmland.
A bill that will help deliver a system that answers communities' planning needs, enables growth and provides strong environmental outcomes has passed its first reading in Parliament, says Environment Minister Amy Adams.
The Resource Management Reform Bill 2012, introduced by Adams, is part of a resource management reform package that next year will see further reforms, including specific proposals for improving the management of freshwater.
The key features of the bill are:
• A stronger requirement for councils to base their planning decisions on robust cost-benefit analysis
• A six-month time limit on the council processing of medium-sized consents
• A streamlined process for Auckland's first Unitary Plan
• Consent applications for major regional projects can be directly referred to the Environment Court more easily
• Enables the Minister for the Environment to make regulations requiring local authorities to monitor the environment according to specified priorities and methodologies
Adams says the costs, uncertainties and delays of the current resource management system are affecting New Zealand jobs, infrastructure and productivity, and place an unfair burden on communities.
"New Zealand is richly blessed with natural resources. The Government's reform package is about ensuring we manage our resources more effectively and efficiently to deliver both economic and environmental benefits for future generations, and recognising the key role of the RMA as the framework under which planning decisions are made."
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.
Listed Canterbury milk processor Synlait’s shares have been placed in a trading halt.
OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.
A step-by-step guide helping farmers through the process of creating a Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) has been launched by FarmIQ.