18045 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for Resources

Written Question

Published date: 03 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	18045 (2026)
Question asked:	30 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Lan Pham
Portfolio:	Minister for Resources
Minister replying:	Hon Shane Jones
Answer received:	26 May 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_18045_2026
Document guid:	8d7fd1c0-4a61-4933-a7d2-ecaf36ffe1ae

18045 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for Resources: Does the Minister believe that if the tailings dam associated with the proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project contaminates waterways crossing private farmland and/or vineyard properties downstream, those landowners should have a clear and fully funded legal pathway to compensation?

Hon Shane Jones: The Fast-track Approvals Act 2025 does not change the underlying basis of the regulatory frameworks for which it is issuing consents/approvals. The ability of a private landowner to seek compensation through civil proceedings is not changed. The conditions of approval will be set by the Expert Panel considering the project (including bonding requirements under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and resource consent conditions under the Resource Management Act 1991).