Minutes of Regional Transport Committee

1. Welcome/Apologies/Notices

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, in particular the members of the public speaking to their submissions.

There were no apologies, nor notices.

2. Conflict of Interest Declarations

There were no conflict of interest declarations

Variation To The Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25

The Committee commenced hearing verbal presentations in support of submissions received on the proposed variation to the Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25 (RLTP) to include improvements to the Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

Submission 9 – Steve Currie. Mr Currie elaborated on a proposal to build a road between the Esk Valley and north of Tutira on the general alignment of the rail corridor.It was noted that while the submitter’s submission had been accepted, it was not relevant to this consultation process and should be referred to the Regional Land Transport Plan review which commences in 2017. It was noted that the NZ Transport Agency is currently reviewing an opportunity to commence a strategic programme business case for the corridor between Napier and Gisborne.

Submission 8 – Rex McIntyre. Mr McIntyre supported and elaborated on the proposal described by Mr Currie. It was noted that while the submitter’s submission had been accepted, it was out of the scope of this consultation process. Mr McIntyre was asked if he had any specific comments on SH 50 & SH 2 Expressway improvements being consulted on at today’s meeting. Mr McIntyre was also asked to clarify if the Federated Farmers HB letter in the clipped paper of submissions is in fact from Federated Farmers HB or Wairoa, as there was a divergence of view as to the origin and support for this particular submission. Mr McIntyre confirmed the Federated Farmers HB references were part of a nationally prepared submission to the Regional Council and that the document was not specifically written for the Regional Transport Plan variation. It was suggested that this should be submitted to the Regional Transport Committee when it reviews the Regional Land Transport Plan.

Submission - 3 – Ian Brown. Mr Brown highlighted his concerns around the southern end of the Expressway at the Maraekakaho, Longlands, Pakipaki, Bridge Pa roundabout, and down SH 50A to Pakipaki. He would like to see the highway progress down Longlands Rd to a new roundabout at Railway Rd and connect with State Highway 2. This would take the traffic away from Pakipaki Rd (SH 50A) which has 3 busy side roads, a school and 34 private dwelling entrances. SH 50A is also hard to widen and there are safety issues, particularly at the entrance to Turamoes Road.

The Committee commenced consideration of submissions received.

Submitter 1 – Paul Lunken. Mr Lunken to be thanked for his submission. His suggestions were noted. There is a consideration of a longer-term strategy underway at present for the Expressway, but there is no outcome as yet. This sits within a national decision-making framework and its priority must be assessed against issues in other parts of the country.

Submitter 7 - David Murray – Automobile Association. The Automobile Association to be thanked for their thoughtful submission. Their suggestions are noted and will be considered as part of the longer-term strategy for the Expressway. Mr Murray’s submission to be referred to the Regional Cycling Governance Group for their information in regard to requests for cycling facilities on the HB Expressway.

Submitter 9 – Steve Currie. That Mr Currie be thanked for his submission. The submission was outside the scope of this consultation process, but it is suggested that this should be submitted to the review of the Regional Land Transport Plan in 2017. It was noted that the NZ Transport Agency is currently reviewing an opportunity to commence a strategic programme business case for the corridor between Napier and Gisborne.

Submitter 8 – Rex McIntyre – Eastern Transport Initiative’s Group. That Mr McIntyre be thanked for his submission. The submission was outside the scope of this consultation process, but it is suggested that this should be submitted to the review of the Regional Land Transport Plan in 2017.

Submitter 2 – Inspector Matt Broderick – NZ Police. That NZ Police be thanked for their submission in support and will be consulted in the design of the imporvements.

Submitter 3 – Ian Brown. That Mr Brown be thanked for his submission. Mr Brown’s concerns regarding safety at specific locations on the southern end of the Expressway have been noted, and will be fully investigated during the design of the proposed improvements. The NZ Transport Agency will ensure that key stakeholders are specifically consulted during this process. The proposal to re-route the state highway was not considered to be within the scope of the proposed safety and efficiency improvements under consideration.

Submitter 4 – Sandy Walker – Road Transport Association of NZ. That the Road Transport Association of NZ be thanked for their submission, however it was very brief to the extreme and left the Committee unclear if they were in support or just had no objection. This is to be put in response to RTANZ from the committee.

Submitter 5 – Robynne Ritchie. That Ms Ritchie be thanked for her submission and her suggestions will be noted. Her concerns regarding safety on the southern end of the Expressway will be fully investigated during the design of improvements, however the proposal to re-route the state highway was not considered to be within the scope of the proposed safety and efficiency improvements.

Submitter 6 – Jon Kingsford – Napier City Council. That the Napier City Council be thanked for their submission. Their suggestions will be noted and considered as part of future strategies for this section of the network.

Submitter 10 – Julie Alexander – NZ Transport Agency. That the NZ Transport Agency be thanked for their submission in support.

Recommendations

1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives and considers the verbal and written submissions made in response to the proposed variation to the Regional Land Transport Plan (2015-25).

2. The Regional Transport Committee recommends that Council:

2.1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy, and that Council can exercise its discretion and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision.

2.2. Approves the variation to the Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25 as proposed.

2.3. Recommends that the NZ Transport Agency

2.3.1. investigates the location-specific safety issues raised by submitters, during the design of the improvements

Price/Kerr

CARRIED

2.3.2. considers suggested capacity improvements (including cycling facilities) and improvements in Ahuriri as part of the longer-term strategy for the HB Expressway

2.3.3. consults key stakeholders, including NZ Police, as part of the detailed design of the improvements.

Kerr/Price

CARRIED

Closure:

There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 2.30pm on Friday 18 November, 2016.

Signed as a true and correct record.

DATE: ................................................ CHAIRMAN: ...............................................