The Nelson region currently faces a number of transport-related issues, including: the need for efficient transport networks to support freight and tourism flows; a heavy reliance on private motor vehicles; and a number of safety-related concerns.
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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 all 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 Nelson. 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 $29.0 million for the Nelson region over the 2009/10-2011/12 period. The NLTP targets investment in three key areas in Nelson:
This investment is critical to ensuring appropriate service levels are maintained, safety is improved, and route security is provided on inter-regional freight and tourist routes, particularly State Highway (SH) 6. It will also ensure access to key markets and destinations, including the Port of Nelson, while maintaining the value of previous investments across the wider network.
Other activities likely to receive funding in 2009-2012 NLTP include the Nelson Arterial Traffic Study, which will build on the Nelson-Brightwater Strategic Study in resolving the treatment of the Richmond-to-Nelson corridor. Previous commitments also mean that Nelson City Council's footpath construction programme, the Atawhai walking and cycling project, and existing bus services will continue to receive funding.
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 Nelson's regional land transport programme (RLTP) being reflected in this NLTP, some are unlikely to receive funding – including a number of new public transport services and improvements. These projects and programmes do not align well with national investment priorities, particularly in activity classes where funding is limited.
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 other projects may also attract funding when more information is known about them (particularly in terms of economic efficiency). These could include the Waimea/Motuka Street intersection and the SH6 Quarantine Road intersection.
Our thanks go the Nelson 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 Nelson's three-year RLTP, which prioritises all the regional transport activities proposed by the local authority and the NZTA (on work relating to the state highway).
Public submissions on Nelson's draft programme were reflected by the Nelson 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 and Nelson District Council will need to actively manage their programmes to ensure we stay on target and deliver our commitments. I look forward to working with the Nelson Regional Transport Committee and New Zealand Police to implement this NLTP and assist in the continued development of the Nelson region.
Deborah Hume
Regional Director
Last updated: 6 October 2009
