Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

While I think the current Government has done a good job in steering us through what must be arguably one of the toughest times for our country in the last half century, I am very concerned about the potential cumulative effects of proposed legislation changes.

Government has the economy and fostering its growth as the number one priority in its legislative reform packages around local government, transport and the RMA. I agree that economic growth is critical for our future, and I agree that legislative reform is necessary to address problems with legislation which create barriers, add cost and regulatory burden. However, what is needed for our future is sustainable economic development – where there is a balance between safeguarding our environment for future generations and enabling economic development to foster wellbeing of our communities.

What I am seeing in the proposed legislative changes is a progressive de-emphasis on the environment as a matter to consider in decision-making. What I am hearing is rising concern from many that we are at risk of going too far and that instead of addressing a better balance between the economy and the environment, we may end up with insufficient protection for the environment we live in. What I am afraid of is that if the legislation is passed in the form proposed, there will be a backlash from the community, a change of government, repeals of recently passed legislation, and a lot of uncertainty for a lot longer.

I am as frustrated as the next person with the RMA, and its costly and time consuming processes. I agree it needs changing. Local government reform is helping to get changes in the way local authorities operate and how they manage their costs. But it is the cumulative effects of all the changes which are yet to be seen together in their entirety which worry me. So I hope that someone in Government is taking a helicopter view of where all the changes are leading so that they don't up throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Our future depends on it.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me: email neesj@xtra.co.nz or phone 07 579 5150. Or you can check out my website www.janenees.co.nz