Statutory consultation has never been far from the minds of promoters and practitioners in the nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) space in recent weeks. There were sighs of relief, then, when the guidance was released and set out a framework which allows for this. The process was labour-intensive and restrictive, giving consultation and engagement an increasingly legalistic focus. Loading…Now, though, the new guidance makes it clear that it is the promoter’s responsibility to both engage and identify concerns and priorities early. It’s a flexibility that gives promoters the opportunity to deliver consultation that is more proportionate, more meaningful and ultimately more effective.