Critical transport projects to be considered in tandem

Constructive approach to critical planning issue

Media release: 26 February 2015

On Wednesday, the Regional Transport Committee completed deliberations on submissions to the Nelson Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and will be recommending the Plan to Council.

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says the way the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) has approached the task is consistent with the way Council approached its Long Term Plan/Consultation Document.

“It is important that these documents are supported by good quality information, robust questioning and a reasoned approach,” says Mayor Rachel Reese.

"In my opinion it is important that all councillors understand the process that NZTA is undertaking so they can fully comprehend why the RTC has recommended the priorities in the RLTP,” says Mayor Reese.

To assist with this the Mayor invited the Central Regional Director from NZTA, Raewyn Bleakley, to brief all councillors on their Nelson Southern Link investigation.

“There has been some confusion in the community on what the current steps are for the Nelson Southern Link project and how it sits with other transport priorities. That was evident in some submissions to the Plan” said Mayor Reese.

“It is important for people to understand that all that has been tendered for the Nelson Southern Link is the business case for the investigation. No design, consent or construction work has been tendered.”

The Committee agreed the two projects should run in parallel. It is anticipated the Indicative Business Cases for both the Rocks Road project and the Nelson Southern Link (NSL) will be completed later this year, and the detailed cases for each by March 2016.

“It is important that NZTA’s investigation of the Nelson Southern Link proceeds now so that the decision points for that project align with key projects in the RLTP such as the Rocks Road redevelopment.”

The Nelson Southern Link investigation is part of the Accelerated Regional Roading Programme announced by the Minister of Transport in July 2014, and funding sits outside the National Land Transport Plan funds. It has a separate reporting and decision-making process, involving the Minister of Transport.

Mayor Rachel Reese acknowledges that the NSL investigation is a challenging issue for all of the community.

“Just like the community, there are a range of views around the council table on our transport future,” says Mayor Rachel Reese.

“However, Council's position remains the same – to protect the corridor.

“We are committed to supporting a robust process, and based on the NZTA presentation we are confident that will occur and will allow decisions to be made in a sensible way.”

Members of the Regional Transport Committee unanimously supported the approach that is being recommended on critical transport issues.

The draft RLTP will be presented to Council in March. Once adopted by Council, it will be submitted to NZTA in April. It will form part of the National Land Transport Plan, published in June.

ENDS.

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