Bay’s transport vision shared with Minister
ransport emissions and the need for new funding and finance mechanisms for projects were some of the topics raised by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Transport Committee in a recent meeting with Transport Minister
Michael Wood.
Minister Wood was supposed to be visiting the region. In light of the recent Covid-19 outbreak, he instead met the committee, which includes regional mayors and councillors, online.
Committee Chair, Lyall Thurston, outlined the committee’s 30-year regional transport vision of a transport system that is sustainable, resilient, efficient and meets the needs of a diverse growing community and regional economy.
Transport is responsible for 61% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Bay of Plenty and Chair Thurston says Minister Wood described climate change as being one of the biggest challenges that we will be judged on by future generations.
Chair Thurston says the Regional Transport Committee is currently working on how we will meet the Regional Land Transport Plan target of reducing transport sector carbon emissions by a minimum of 25% by 2030.
“The ongoing issues with traffic congestion in the Western Bay were also highlighted, including the recent omission of funding in the National Land Transport Programme for the Ōmokoroa Interchange and the 4-laning of Stage Two between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa,” Chair Thurston says.
He says Minister Wood talked about the linking up of efficient freight networks which included coastal shipping and inter-regional rail.
“Minister Wood says we need to show courage and do things differently. Transport is an enabler to better housing, wellbeing and economic development.”
The Minister was invited to visit the region in person when Covid-19 Alert Levels allow.
On 7th September, Waka Kotahi announced it will spend $121 million on improving safety in the Bay. This will include continued work along 35.8kms of State Highway 2 between Waihī and
Ōmokoroa.
Chair Thurston says while it’s good to see Tākitimu North Link Stage One, a 6.8km four-lane expressway between Tauranga and Te Puna starting construction later this year (subject to property purchase), he’s disappointed that Stage Two is still on hold.
“As a committee, we wrote to the Minister of Transport earlier this year seeking urgent consideration of funding for the Ōmokoroa Interchange, and if possible the 4-laning of Stage Two between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa.”
Chair Thurston says the Stage Two link is one of the last major requirements for future-proofing the Tauranga network, including carbon reduction, and the safe efficient movement of freight and people.
Waka Kotahi has indicated Stage Two is unlikely to be funded unless the priority of the project increases or additional revenue becomes available.