6. HEKIA PARATA (National) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
Is he aware of the importance of Transmission Gully to the people of Mana; if so, what steps is he taking to facilitate a timely process to consider this critical project?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
Yes, I am very aware of the strong interest in Mana and the wider—
Hon Darren HughesHon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
Well, the member who is chipping in did absolutely nothing on Transmission Gully—absolutely nothing for 9 years. I am pleased with the support of Hekia Parata.
Catherine Delahunty
Mr SPEAKERCatherine Delahunty has made her point that she cannot hear a thing. I am not surprised that she cannot hear a thing. If members interject, they might get a reaction from Ministers. I am not going to rule out Ministers reacting to interjections.
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
I acknowledge the very strong advocacy by Hekia Parata for getting a timely process in place for dealing with Transmission Gully. Today I announced that there will be an application going through the national consenting process under the changes that National has made to the Resource Management Act. I also announced the members of the board of inquiry and that they are to be led by Environment Court judge Brian Dwyer.
Is the Minister aware that the Wellington City inner bypass took over a decade to get consented after multiple appeals and delays, and can he assure the people of Mana that this process will be far more timely?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
It is just a pity that Darren Hughes did not do anything on this issue in the 9 years that he was in Government. Thank goodness that we have a National Government that has been prepared to amend the law and ensure that we have a timely process for dealing with important infrastructure projects like Transmission Gully. The three key changes are that there is a one-stage process for a decision, that they are required in 9 months, and that there are only limited appeals.
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
The new Environmental Protection Authority has now over $7 billion worth of infrastructure projects before it, covering the Tauhara geothermal power project, the Waterview Connection, the wind farm near Raglan, and the Turitea wind farm. The changes that National has made to the Resource Management Act are a crucial part of our programme of ensuring that we have infrastructure in place and that it will support growth of the economy and jobs.
Gareth HughesWhy is the Minister fast tracking this expensive motorway with a negative cost-benefit ratio when Ministry of Transport officials advise that many trucks will not use it, that it will take longer to clear in the event of an earthquake than the coastal highway, and that it will just increase traffic congestion in Wellington?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
We need only to look at the events of the earthquake in Canterbury to realise the importance of having alternative lifelines into the capital city of this country. Although I acknowledge the Green’s consistent position to be opposed to new infrastructure all over New Zealand, this Government is committed to infrastructure that will support the growth and jobs of this country.