The Transport Agency announced its preferred option for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial (REA) in April this year. Strong positive and negative feedback from local community groups was received and in light of the feedback the Transport Agency, and the council, are working alongside those groups to better understand the impacts and concerns.
The Transport Agency’s Regional Director, Harry Wilson says “We are committed to finding a transport solution for Rotorua’s eastern corridor. We are supporting the council and through its land use planning process we will be reviewing the eastern corridor transport solution, including the REA, and how best to secure the movement of freight, and people, into and around the region.”
“We acknowledge that some things may have altered since initial investigations were undertaken into the route designation. We believe it is important we take this time to review the options before we decide on a preferred option to lodge with council. To do this we will continue to consult further with landowners, businesses and the local community, and incorporate them as part of the planning process. We recognise the need for certainty, but equally, the community needs to be assured that any final decision is based on careful consideration of all the relevant information.”
Harry Wilson says “the eastern corridor is just one component to Rotorua’s future growth and the land use planning process will help to identify the future transport needs. The confirmation of the preferred transport option for the REA and the formal lodging of any subsequent notice of requirement will be postponed.”
