The Government initiated a review of the Public Works Act (PWA) in June 2024. As part of the review, amendments were proposed to enable certain critical infrastructure projects.
On 19 February 2025, the Cabinet Economic Policy Committee (ECO) agreed to progress legislative changes to the PWA to provide incentive payments and a streamlined objection process for landowners whose land is acquired for major infrastructure projects.
The proposed amendments apply solely to projects listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act that qualify as public works, and the Roads of National Significance identified in the 2024 Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.
Cabinet approved the proposed amendments on 24 February 2025. A draft Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament in May 2025.