David Parker: Government speeding up infrastructure consent process

People will still be able to appeal against infrastructure projects but they'll have less time to do so.The Government's making changes to the Resource Management Act to speed up the consent process.The changes, which are likely to be passed in June, means roading, walking, cycling, rail, and housing projects can be approved faster.A panel - headed by an Environment Court judge - will approve consents for housing, transport and environmental projects, instead of councils.Environment Minister David Parker says it will hear submissions from business, infrastructure and environmental groups."The processes that include public participation and appeal rights to the Environment Court are being truncated."Parker says getting people back to work is the main reason resource consents are being sped up."The environmental protections and obligations to comply with regional plans will still apply. It is just that the consent process where people need a consent will run faster."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.