147Minister makes direction after EPA recommendation

1. After the Minister receives a recommendation from the EPA under section 146, he or she may make a direction to—

2. refer the matter to a board of inquiry for decision; or
3. refer the matter to the Environment Court for decision; or
4. refer the matter to the local authority.

5. The Minister may make a direction under subsection (1)(a) or (b) only if he or she considers that the matter is or is part of a proposal of national significance.

6. The Minister must apply section 142(3) in deciding whether the matter is or is part of a proposal of national significance.

7. In deciding on making a direction under subsection (1), the Minister must have regard to—

8. the views of the applicant and the local authority; and
9. the capacity of the local authority to process the matter; and
10. the recommendations of the EPA.

11. A direction made under subsection (1) must—

12. be in writing and be signed by the Minister; and
13. state the Minister's reasons for making the direction.

14. To avoid doubt, the Minister may make a direction under subsection (1) that differs from the direction recommended by the EPA under section 146(1).

15. For the purposes of a plan change request made, and a concurrent application lodged, under subpart 4 of Part 7A, a direction given under this section must relate to both.

16. The Minister must not make a direction under subsection (1)(b) if section 149C(2)(a) or (b) applies (which relates to a request for the preparation of a regional plan or a request for a change to a plan).