Southland’s top leaders have given a cautiously optimistic response to major resource management reform.

On Tuesday, the Government revealed its plan to replace the Resource Management Act with two new bills which would boost infrastructure, simplify consents and make life easier for farmers.

RMA reform minister Chris Bishop claimed the proposed changes were projected to save $13.3 billion over the next 30 years.

Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell’s first reaction was that it seemed to meet the government’s goal of faster growth and faster delivery, particularly of housing.

“I think we would give it probably at this point, a fairly guarded tick. It’s probably fit for purpose,” Campbell said.

“But our job is just to go through it and make sure there’s nothing in it that’s going to catch us out down the track.”

Campbell said it would be looked through with a fine-tooth comb to check for fatal flaws, or unintended consequences.

Southland mayor Rob Scott felt the changes were positive, saying the existing legislation was not doing its job.

He wondered how elements such as heritage status compensation would be worked out, but believed the reform was a good move on the whole.

In a statement, Environment Southland chair Jeremy McPhail said there were a lot of promises riding on the bills.

“We all want a streamlined, fit-for-purpose alternative to the cumbersome RMA, which we’ve had to work within for so long.”

Southland had been able to demonstrate that environmental sustainability and economic progress could go hand in hand, he said.

Otago leaders have already given a range of responses to the reform.

Queenstown Lakes District mayor John Glover warned the timeframes for implementation would be challenging, while Dunedin mayor Sophie Barker had concerns about protection of the city’s special features.

Central Otago District mayor Tamah Alley expected that fewer delays for held-up projects would be welcomed.

The government aims to pass the bills into law in 2026, although the public will get a chance to have their say through the select committee process.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air