“There will be shorter periods between submissions of an application and submissions of reports for decision-making, and we are examining a shortened period for public participation - for example 14 days as opposed to the existing 30 days.” She said the department was looking at developing directions that would speed up the process of environmental authorisations, for example allowing a process to be followed that is similar to the current basic assessment process, even for activities that would require a full scoping process. “This includes excluding upgrades, refurbishments, adjustments and repairs of existing energy infrastructure and existing generation infrastructure, generation transmission and distribution facilities from the provisions of the state of disaster.”

The national state of disaster, which expires in three months, will be renewed monthly.įorestry, fisheries and environment minister Barbara Creecy said the regulations make provision for her to issue directions in relation to the streamlining of applications and decision-making processes for environmental authorisations, waste management, atmospheric emission licences, as well as condonation and exemptions associated with energy infrastructure, generation transmission and distribution for the duration of the state of disaster. Can you imagine if you are a dressmaker or a tailor and someone is getting married and you have a deadline? Then there is load-shedding and you cannot finish their attire. “Small businesses have also had to close.

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