The government has announced a sweeping fast-track approval process for 149 critical projects across various sectors, including transport, housing, and renewable energy.
The Fast Track Approvals Bill is aimed at accelerating job creation, addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit, and contributing to economic recovery.
Key Projects to Rebuild the Economy and Address Housing Crisis
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones unveiled the 149 selected projects, which were chosen for their significant regional and national benefits. These projects aim to create jobs, stimulate growth, and contribute to New Zealand’s long-term infrastructure needs.
The projects, selected through a rigorous process involving the Ministry for the Environment and an independent advisory group, include 44 housing developments, which will enable up to 55,000 new homes to be built across major growth centers. The initiative is expected to play a key role in addressing New Zealand’s ongoing housing crisis.
“We are ensuring these projects move forward without unnecessary delays,” said Minister Jones. “From housing to renewable energy, aquaculture to infrastructure, these fast-tracked initiatives will help to stimulate various industries and benefit communities across the country.”
Boosting Transport Infrastructure: 29 Critical Projects Fast-Tracked
In addition to the broader list of fast-tracked projects, 29 critical road, rail, and port projects have been prioritised to accelerate New Zealand’s transport infrastructure. Transport Minister Simeon Brown emphasized the importance of these projects in tackling the country’s infrastructure deficit.
“New Zealand needs fast-track legislation to ensure key transport projects are built quicker and more efficiently,” said Minister Brown. “These 29 projects include 16 road projects, five rail upgrades, five port expansions, and three major public transport projects, such as the Airport to Botany Rapid Transit.”
The completion of these projects will result in at least 180 kilometres of new road, rail, and public transport corridors, significantly reducing congestion and improving freight movement across the country.
Renewable Energy Projects
Among the fast-tracked initiatives are 22 renewable electricity projects which the government says are designed to help the country meet its “climate change” goals and improve energy security. If fully realised, these projects will contribute an additional 3 gigawatts of generation capacity—enough to surpass Auckland’s historic peak energy demand.
“The planning system has long posed barriers to unlocking New Zealand’s abundant renewable energy resources,” said Bishop. “These projects will not only bolster energy security but also play a vital role in achieving our climate change objectives.”
Aquaculture, Farming, and Mining Projects for Regional Growth
The Government has also fast-tracked seven aquaculture and farming projects that are expected to produce 143,000 tonnes annually and strengthen Māori development partnerships. Additionally, 11 mining projects have been included, which will contribute to doubling the value of New Zealand’s mineral exports by 2035, generating highly-skilled regional jobs.
“These projects will deliver real and visible benefits to regional economies, from job creation to essential infrastructure,” Jones added.
Streamlined Approval Process to Deliver Results
The Fast Track Approvals Bill, modeled after previous COVID-19 fast-track legislation, will allow expert panels to assess and consent projects swiftly. This includes environmental, technical, and Treaty of Waitangi considerations. The Government has also given expert panels the authority to decline projects that don’t meet the required standards.
Minister Bishop emphasised that the selection of these 149 projects is not a reflection on the quality of those not listed. “While we received over 340 submissions, Cabinet chose a more focused list to ensure these projects can be assessed and delivered efficiently,” he noted.
With this fast-track legislation, the Government aims to provide a steady pipeline of high-priority projects to boost economic growth, reduce congestion, and rebuild New Zealand’s infrastructure for future generations.
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Image credit: Giulia Botan
“Climate change goals”? Get boosted Bishop must mean the man made geo-engineered events that are used to perpetuate the climate change scam.
“Māori development partnerships”? Is this a new apartheid name for Co- Governance?
Convenient that the incinerator at Glenavy is on the list. Nicely sugar coated with boosting the economy and creating jobs….gee thanks
And here was I thinking that the NZ govt is bankrupt …