The Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 offers a permanent process for obtaining resource consent and a wide range of other approvals. Fast-track brings these together into a streamlined process.
The purpose of the Act is to “facilitate the delivery of infrastructure and development projects with significant regional or national benefits.” Further detail on the process can be found at www.fasttrack.govt.nz(external link).
The Fast-Track process is managed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), but Taranaki Regional Council inputs into the decision-making process on an application at numerous points. In particular:
- Nominating a member to be on the decision-making panel
- Providing written comments on the application.
- Being able to speak to those comments at a hearing, if the panel decides to hold one.
- Providing additional information requested by the EPA.
- Providing comments on consent conditions.
The Council will also have a role in the enforcement and monitoring of applications that are granted.
You can find below information on prominent fast-track applications that the Council has provided input on.
Taranaki VTM Project
The Taranaki VTM Project (the Application) by Trans-Tasman Resources Limited (TTR) is seeking approvals under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (EEZ Act).
The Project is to undertake iron sand extraction in the South Taranaki Bight. The project area is beyond the territorial sea, within the exclusive economic zone. It covers 65.76 square kilometres located between 22km and 36km off the coastline of South Taranaki in water depths ranging from 20 to 42 metres.
TTR proposes extracting up to 50 million tonnes of seabed material per year, targeting the recovery of iron sand deposits. Of the extracted material, approximately 10% by volume will be processed into iron ore concentrate for export. The remaining de-ored sediment (up to 45 million tonnes per year) will be redeposited on the seabed within the previously excavated area via a controlled discharge system.
Further information on the application can be found on Application website here(external link).
The Council’s written comment on the Application and related attachments is below:
· [PDF, 754 KB]Taranaki Regional Council Taranaki VTM Project Written Comment [PDF, 754 KB]
· [PDF, 307 KB]Market Economics Taranaki Ironsands VTM Economic Review [PDF, 307 KB]
· PDP Technical Assessment of Taranaki VTM Project Fast Track Application [PDF, 1.3 MB]