Queenstown houses set to be fast-tracked

Plans for the construction of over 5000 new homes in Queenstown are on track for approval by the end of the year. These projects are part of a larger group of 19 developments in Otago and Southland that have been selected for fast-track approval under the Fast-track Approvals Bill.

Among the projects are proposals for 2800 homes at Homestead Bay in Queenstown, 1050 homes at Silver Creek in Queenstown, a new village at Coronet with 780 houses and its own gondola, 263 houses in Wanaka, 260 more units at a retirement village in Mosgiel, a village at Gibbston with 900 houses and a primary school, a new golf course at The Hills, the expansion of Macraes gold mine, and the establishment of a new gold mine at Bendigo. Additionally, there are plans for two wind farms and two open ocean salmon farms in the region.

In Southland, the projects include a new water reservoir for Invercargill city and three fish farms. While the Bill is still pending approval, it is expected to pass into law by the end of the year. A total of 149 projects have been selected nationwide.

According to Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop, these projects will play a crucial role in rebuilding the economy, addressing the housing crisis, improving energy security, and tackling the country’s infrastructure deficit. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones emphasized that the selection process for these projects was thorough and robust, with final decisions made by Cabinet following assessments by the Ministry for Environment and an independent advisory group.

The Fast-track Approvals Bill is a key component of the government’s strategy to expedite essential projects and cut through bureaucratic red tape. The projects, spanning various sectors including housing, aquaculture, energy, infrastructure, and mining, are expected to create new opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and benefit the regions and industries involved.

Despite the positive outlook, the bill has faced some controversy, with groups like Ngāti Toa expressing opposition. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest in the fast-tracking process, but Bishop assured that measures were in place to address such issues.

Overall, the fast-track projects aim to drive progress, create jobs, and foster development in key sectors, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of New Zealand’s regions.