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Mrs Gilbertson
introduced this agenda item which outlined the key planning documents, the
role of the Regional Transport Committee and the topics to be included in a
proposed indicative work plan for 2014 and 2015.
Mrs Gilbertson
then gave a detailed explanation of the various documents which related to
the duties and functions of the RTC with particular emphasis on the National
Land Transport Fund (NLTF) which was the primary source of funding for state
highway improvement and management projects, allocated by NZTA through the
National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
Mrs Gilbertson
also explained the purpose of the Committee and its key areas of focus and confirmed
that the Regional Council at its meeting on 6 November had approved the Terms
of the Reference for the Committee.
Mrs Gilbertson
also drew the Committee’s attention to the indicative timeframes and proposed
workload for the Committee during 2014 and early 2015.
Following
discussion by the Committee, concern was expressed that the dates set by NZTA
for consultation and developing the Regional Land Transport Programme in the
past had not allowed for adequate time for consultation with the community
and it was hoped that consideration could be given to an earlier signal of
funding priorities.
In response to
a question, Chairman Dick advised that discussions had already commenced with
Minister Brownlee in relation to future funding for regions, once the R
funding allocations had been spent.
Ms Chetwynd
gave a presentation which highlighted the role New Zealand Transport
Association (NZTA) plays in delivering one transport network for the nation.
Ms Chetwynd explained the four goals of NZTA and how the projects behind each
objective would achieve effective and efficient results in all areas of
transport, these were:
·
Integration of one network for Customers;
·
Shape smart choices;
·
Deliver highway solutions for customers and
·
Maximise return for New Zealand
The Committee
discussed the NZTA goals for the next 18 months but expressed concern around
the funding issues which had occurred in the past following the release of
the Government policy Statement on Land Transport Funding (GPS). The
Committee strongly suggested it was important for NZTA to work together with
RTC’s in order to achieve what was required in the regions and to have early
input into the direction of the GPS.
Ms Chetwynd
outlined the topics which NZTA wished to progress not only regionally but
nationally over the next 18 months:
·
The development of a Regional Land Transport
Plan and the National Land Transport Programme;
·
Improving strategic freight network to enable
increases in productivity
·
Aligning road safety actions to a safe system
to achieve clear outcomes through collaboration safety and
·
Engage on the Regional Cycling Plan to
leverage the investment made in the model community
Ms Chetwynd
advised that between 2015-18, $12 billion would be spent across the country
on the national land transport programme.
Ms Chetwynd
also updated the Committee on the development of a strategic freight network
and the ability for increases in productivity via the introduction of High
Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) and the 50MAX scheme which incorporates a
new vehicle design to carry more freight.
Following
discussions on improved freight strategies, concern was expressed that a
unified approach was required as funding levels were low for the ongoing
checking of pavements and bridges and NZTA should also make a financial
contribution.
Mr Cox explained
that because Wairoa District Council thought it was the best manager of its
bridges on the network, the Council had not yet signed up to a Memorandum of
Understanding. He also noted that the one stop shop was not advantageous to
Wairoa.
Mr Dowdell
also gave a presentation which illustrated strategic plans for the future and
the aim to build a culture of collaboration between all road controlling authorities
resulting in better asset management practice.
Mr Dowdell
explained the timeline for the State Highway Strategic Plan which
incorporated the State Highway system between SH2/50A and SH2/5 junctions;
gave an update on the SH2 Napier-Gisborne passing lanes with the first
official opening on 18 February 2014; the SH2 Pakowhai/Links intersection and
the SH2/SH50A Paki Paki intersection.
Mr Dowdell
also endorsed Ms Chetwynd’s discussion on 50MAX and HPMV noting that the
projects were exciting opportunities for the region’s future in regard to
freight movement and economic success.
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