7. Question No. 7—EnvironmentHon JUDITH COLLINS (National—Papakura) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 7—Environment7. Hon JUDITH COLLINS (National—Papakura) to the Minister for the Environment: Does he stand by all his statements on the fast-tracking of shovel-ready projects?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): Yes in the context they were given.Hon Judith Collins: How many of the reported 1800 shovel-ready projects are already fully consented and funded?Hon DAVID PARKER: I don't know the answer to that question but I don't envisage that 1800 projects would be going through this process anyway.Hon Judith Collins: When will he release the criteria for which shovel-ready projects will enter the fast-track resource consenting process?Hon DAVID PARKER: At a high level that will be set out in the legislation which I expect to be introduced into the House in the coming weeks and which I will endeavour to share with the Opposition in advance of its introduction.Hon Judith Collins: Will the fast-tracked shovel-ready projects need to meet the requirements of the zero carbon Act?Hon DAVID PARKER: The decision that I have as to which projects go to this panel will include consideration of what could be long-term significant effects on carbon emissions. So if for example there was a proposal to build a new coal-fired power station—which I think is unlikely but if that did happen—then I would take that into account in my decision as to whether I would let that go to a panel. And in that sort of situation I might choose to send it through a normal Environment Court process or a normal council Environment Court process instead.Hon Judith Collins: Do shovel-ready projects mean that shovels are now ready to be put into the ground?Hon DAVID PARKER: I would've expected the member would've known a metaphor when she heard it. There's actually not many people who do roading projects with shovels but she can keep digging.Marama Davidson: How will he ensure environmental protection is sustained for any projects that are fast tracked?Hon DAVID PARKER: In a number of ways. One there'll be a range of projects brought forward. I'm quite keen on the idea that we take this opportunity to start remediating some of the environmental damage we already have in New Zealand. So for example one of the ways we could achieve balance is by consenting in a high-level way projects to excavate sediments from polluted rivers and estuaries and to consent the installation of new wetlands to prevent those sediments reoccurring. Another way that we ensure appropriate environmental outcomes is to have it chaired by an Environment Court judge and to apply Part 2 of the Resource Management Act.Marama Davidson: Does he agree then that it's possible to create good jobs and protect nature at the same time?Hon DAVID PARKER: Yes. Those two things are not always mutually exclusive. It is true that some projects do have an adverse environmental effect that can't be fully mitigated but we're endeavouring to get the balance right between traditional projects—like roading for example—and projects to improve the environment.Marama Davidson: And how will the Government ensure tangata whenua are involved and the Crown's Te Tiriti o Waitangi objections are upheld in any decision making to fast-track projects?Hon DAVID PARKER: The legislation won't be abrogating the outcomes of Treaty settlements and one of the ways in which we will be ensuring those interests are taken into account is ensuring the panel has relevant expertise when those issues are considered by them.