Fast Track Consents
Fast-track is a national consent approvals process for infrastructure, housing and development projects with significant regional or national benefits. It is administered by the Environmental Protection Authority under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
What is CODC’s Role?
Council has no decision-making role in the approval process and is considered an "affected party".
As an affected party, Council is responsible for:
- Reviewing submitted applications for completeness
- Nominating members for expert panels
- Providing comment on applications and draft conditions
- Engaging qualified specialists to meet the information requirements of the legislation
For the Bendigo Ophir Gold Project by Santana Minerals Ltd, Council has engaged specialists in recreation, acoustics, landscape, traffic, planning, economics, bond, archaeology, lighting, and ecology.
Council’s involvement in the Fast-track process is prescribed by legislation. Find out more information about the process overview HERE
Consultation
This is a statutory requirement under s.11 (referral application) and s.29 (substantive application) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 for applicants to consult with the Council prior to lodgement.
Pre-application Consultation for Fast-track Applications
For information on pre-application consultation go HERE
How are Applications Processed?
One of two pathways can be used for projects that apply for Fast-track approval:
- The substantive process: when specific projects have been identified in the Act (listed in Schedule 2), they may apply directly to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel.
- The referral process: other parties seeking to utilise the Act must first apply to the Minister for Infrastructure for approval, before proceeding through the substantive process.
Local authorities are involved in the substantive application process, including nominating members for expert panels, and commenting on applications and draft conditions.
The Minister receives the complete application and must invite comments, and request advice or reports from relevant local authorities. The Minister considers the application, advice or reports, and any comments received. The Minister may also seek further information from relevant local authorities.
Who Administers the Process?
The EPA handles both the referral and substantive approval processes.
For more information visit:
Ministry for the Environment
Environmental Protection Authority
Fast-track Project Updates
All listed projects and any referral projects approved by the Minister within the Central Otago district, are detailed on the Fast-Track website. This is the best place to find the most up to date information.
Current Projects
Current Status - Council respond to request for comments
Application Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project | Ministry for the Environment
Applicant: Matakanui Gold Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Santana Minerals Ltd)
Remarkables Ski Area Upgrade and Doolans Expansion | Ministry for the Environment
Listed
If you have any queries around the Fast-track process, email resource.consents@codc.govt.nz or visit the Fast-track website HERE
