Controversial local projects approved for Government fast track process

A number of projects that have already attracted considerable debate and controversy have today been approved as part of the Government's Fast Track Approvals Bill.

According to Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop, they will help rebuild the economy, fix the housing crisis, improve energy security and address the country's infrastructure deficit.

"It's about getting NZ moving and cutting through the red tape", he said in a press conference.

"It's about jobs and growth."

The bill is yet to pass, and there are a few steps to go through, Bishop said, but it is expected some of these projects will be accepted by next year.

Mr Bishop said advice was sought on any conflict of interest issues when choosing projects for this bill.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said in a statement that the projects had been selected through a "thorough and robust" process. Final decisions were made by Cabinet after going through the Ministry for Environment and an independent advisory group.

"The Fast-track Approvals Bill is a key part of the government's plan to rebuild our economy and cut through the red and green tape that has made it more and more difficult to build the projects New Zealand needs." Jones said.

"For example, the 44 listed housing developments will enable up to 55,000 new homes to be consented in New Zealand's major growth centres and across our regions, playing a significant part in addressing New Zealand's housing crisis."

One of the projects listed is a redevelopment of the existing Eden Park facility in Auckland "to deliver a world class

hybrid, multi-purpose 50,000+ capacity stadium with a retractable roof".

Bishop said today he had not analysed the Eden Park project with his Sports Minister hat on.

He said people will be happy with a whole variety of these projects, and not so happy about others.

"But we have to grow as an economy," he said.

There are also seven aquaculture and farming projects, 43 infrastructure projects, 22 renewable energy projects, and 11 mining projects.

"Our regions and the New Zealanders living in them have enormous potential, and the fast-track projects, freed up from stifling consenting processes, are another change that is giving them back the wings they deserve," Jones said.

"The projects will bring a big boost, and will help stimulate various industries, including the aquaculture, energy, housing, and mining sectors. This progress is going to help get things moving and flowing where it is needed, in the form of job creation, construction, new opportunities, and more business.

The main local projects that are approved.

The Coronet Village and gondola plan fronted by Rod Drury.
500 new residential units for Lades Miles - Tory Hill Trust - Flint's Park.
The Hills - new golf course and accommodation.
NZ Ski - to expand the Remarkables Ski area into Doolans Basin.
RCL Ltd - 2,800 new residential units at Homestead Bay south of Jacks Point
Silver Creek - 1,500 residential units above the Frankton Road
Cardrona ski field - more lifts and accomodation linked to the new Soho ski area.
Wānaka - 263 high density residential units as part of the Mt Iron Junction housing project
Gibbston Village - 900 houses and commercial area plus provision for a new primary school
Santana Minerals - large scale open pit gold mining in the Bendigo/Tarras/Ophir areas