The Marlborough region currently faces a number of transport-related issues, including: the need for efficient transport networks to support freight and tourism flows; road safety concerns associated with increasing heavy traffic movements; and network demands generated by rural-residential subdivisions and population growth in Blenheim.
I am pleased to introduce to you this National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) for 2009-2012 – a programme through which the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is making a record investment in land transport at a time when New Zealand needs it most.
The global economic situation has changed dramatically in the past 18 months, with significant impacts for the New Zealand economy. In response, and as part of its commitment to improving New Zealand's economic outlook and performance, the government has set clear expectations and priorities for the land transport sector. These expectations are articulated in the Government policy statement on land transport funding 2009/10 – 2018/19 (GPS)(external link).
Through this NLTP, the NZTA 'gives effect' to the GPS with a focus on supporting economic activity and employment throughout the country. It aims to deliver the best possible returns for New Zealand, through prioritising a wide range of national and regional activities.
The NLTP demonstrates an increased focus on efficiency and effectiveness in all spending, a rigorous national approach to setting priorities, and an ongoing focus on improving safety and reducing the adverse environmental effects of land transport.
This document details the funding provided for the Marlborough region – and as a dynamic document will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any approved variations to programmes.
For information on funding for the rest of New Zealand (and how the NLTP is developed and managed) please see the national NLTP document.
The Marlborough region currently faces a number of transport-related issues, including:
In balancing these issues against national investment priorities, the NZTA is committed to ensuring the NTLP represents value for money in all activities and across regions. We've achieved this by developing a robust national prioritisation framework, and ensuring the highest priority projects have first call on available funds.
A strong commitment to value for money has also led to changes in how R (regional) funding is used. R funds come from fuel excise duty and light road user charges and are allocated proportionally to regions based on population. In the past, R funding was often used to fund lower-priority projects that would otherwise not qualify for funding. To ensure value for money, R funds will now be used for the highest priority projects and will provide a guaranteed minimum level of funding in Marlborough. N (nationally distributed) funding will continue being used to fund the balance of the approved programme.
The National Land Transport Fund can only be used to fund activities listed in the NLTP. The tables in this NLTP list:
This NLTP provides an investment of $51.3 million for the Marlborough region over the 2009/10-2011/12 period. The NLTP targets investment in three key areas:
This investment is critical to ensure we maintain appropriate service levels, improve safety and provide route security on key inter-regional freight and tourist routes. It will also ensure we maintain access to key markets and destinations, including the Ports of Nelson and Picton.
In the next three years, key roading improvements are likely to be the Lions Back safety improvements and the Dashwood overbridge on State Highway (SH) 1. These projects are expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region by improving route security, safety and journey times on a key regional freight route.
A number of other safety and route efficiency improvements are proposed for the balance of the roading network. For an overview of significant projects in the region that are likely to receive funding in the next three years, see the regional map.
While the prioritisation process has resulted in most projects in Marlborough's regional land transport programme being reflected in this NLTP, some are unlikely to receive funding – including seal extensions and unsealed road improvements proposed by Marlborough District Council, and Marlborough's public transport service expansion programme. These projects do not align well with national investment priorities, particularly in activity classes where funding is limited. However, existing bus services will continue to receive funding at current levels.
For demand management and community programmes, our primary investment focus for 2009/10 is on programmes that deliver on a relevant road safety strategy and achieve a change in travel behaviour that will reduce severe congestion in major urban areas. In addition, for this activity class the NZTA received significantly more funding applications than in the previous year. This, together with the funding available as specified by the GPS and our targeted investment focus for this year, means a reduction on last year funding level.
The NZTA Board has requested a review of the demand management and community programmes activity class to provide evidence of the benefits and value for money that its programmes deliver. Accordingly funding for these programmes is approved for 2009/10 only, with the review expected to establish the funding direction for the subsequent two years.
Some projects may attract funding when more information is known about them (particularly in terms of economic efficiency). These could include the Alabama Road and Ross Lane intersection improvements on SH1.
The NZTA, through its Marlborough Roads office, manages the state highway network in Marlborough and local roads on behalf of Marlborough District Council. These combined network contracts offer proven savings through economies of scale and an ability to combine contract scopes across the region's roading networks.
Having both networks managed by one agency also enables the Marlborough Roads office to be a one-stop shop for users, while the close relationship between the NZTA, Marlborough District Council and Marlborough Roads staff ensures mutual understanding and network alignment.
Our thanks go the Marlborough Regional Transport Committee, which has a pivotal role in shaping the region's transport future.
One of the committee's key tasks is to develop Marlborough's three-year regional land transport programme, which prioritises all the regional transport activities proposed by Marlborough Roads.
Public submissions on Marlborough's draft programme were reflected by the Marlborough Regional Transport Committee in the final programme that went to the NZTA Board. This regional perspective enabled the NZTA Board to build a geographic view of land transport requirements nationwide, and to align regional and national views in deciding on the most appropriate allocations of funds to give effect to the GPS priorities.
The next three years will bring challenging times. The NZTA, Marlborough District Council and Marlborough Roads will need to actively manage the programmes to ensure we stay on target and deliver our commitments. I look forward to working with the Marlborough Regional Transport Committee, New Zealand Police and Marlborough Roads to implement this NLTP and assist in the continued development of the Marlborough region.
Deborah Hume
Regional Director
Last updated: 6 October 2009
