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Minister Jack Chambers announced regulatory changes aimed at expediting infrastructure project approvals, specifically for roads, wastewater treatment, and energy projects. He indicated that current regulations can significantly delay project initiation, sometimes by years.

Proposed changes include implementing parallel decision-making for consents and permits, potentially reducing timelines for local projects from months to years for national projects. The Infrastructure Taskforce found that transport projects may require up to 30 licenses, prompting a need to review and streamline these processes without compromising health and safety or environmental protections.