Agenda of Regional Transport Committee

N-logotype-black-wide Regional Transport Committee

4 July 2016

Page No.

1. Apologies

Nil

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

3. Interests

3.1 Updates to the Interests Register

3.2 Identify any conflicts of interest in the agenda

4. Public Forum

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 16 October 2015 5 - 9

Document number M1537

Recommendation

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Transport Committee, held on 16 October 2015, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

6. Chairperson's Report

7. South Island Inter Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group 10 - 18

Document number R6002

Recommendation

THAT the report South Island Inter Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group (R6002) and its attachment (A1560415) be received;

AND THAT the Committee support participating in the South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group;

AND THAT the value gained from participating in the South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group be reviewed in 2018.

8. RLTP Variation - Nelson Road Safety Promotion 2016-2018 19 - 21

Document number R6045

Recommendation

THAT the report RLTP Variation - Nelson Road Safety Promotion 2016-2018 (R6045) and its attachment (A1559397) be received;

AND THAT the Nelson Regional Transport Committee vary the current 2015-18 Regional Land Transport Programme to include a total of $200,000 for Nelson Road Safety Promotion on the State Highway network spread over the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years.

9. New Zealand Transport Agency Update 22 - 25

Document number R6127

Recommendation

Receive the report New Zealand Transport Agency Update (R6127) and its attachment (A1569142).

Minutes of a meeting of the Regional Transport Committee

Held in the Council Chamber, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson

On Friday 16 October 2015, commencing at 1.01pm

Present: Councillor E Davy (Chairperson), Councillors R Copeland (Deputy Chairperson), Her Worship the Mayor R Reese, B McGurk and Ms R Bleakley

In Attendance: Councillors L Acland, M Lawrey and P Rainey, Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Senior Asset Engineer – Transport and Roading (R Palmer), Administration Adviser (S McLean), and New Zealand Transport Agency representatives (M Owen and P Hooker)

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

There was no change to the order of business.

3. Interests

There were no updates to the Interests Register, and no interests with items on the agenda were declared.

4. Public Forum

4.1 Dr John Moore, Ms Helen Watson, and Helen Taylor Young, Guardians of Victory

Mr Moore provided detail about the history of the Guardians of Victory and tabled his speech (A1447368) and questions to the Committee (A1445868).

Mr Moore advised that a memorandum of understanding between Guardians of Victory and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) had been prepared but not signed. He highlighted that the group had received no communication from Council or the NZTA since early 2015

Mr Moore suggested that governance processes surrounding the Nelson Southern Link had been inadequate.

4.2 Craig Dennis and Gary Stocker, Progress Nelson Tasman

Craig Dennis and Gary Stocker tabled speaking notes (A1447406).

Mr Dennis said Progress Nelson Tasman supported the construction of a properly designed Southern Arterial route.

Mr Dennis summarised the history of Progress Nelson Tasman, its membership, role, and focus on the Southern Arterial. He said the Southern Arterial should be seen as an enabler, and highlighted the potential of Rocks Road.

Mr Dennis said it was difficult to see why New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) funding was low in Nelson given the high growth rates.

4.3 Robert Stevenson and John Gilbertson, Tahunanui Business Association

Mr Stevenson spoke about the history of the proposed Southern Arterial route. He highlighted that the state highway dissected the Tahunanui community. Mr Stevenson said there would be social, economic and safety benefits in releasing the waterfront and Tahunanui by providing an alternative highway route.

Mr Gilbertson gave a PowerPoint presentation (A1447400) and spoke about the need for a pedestrian refuge in Tahunanui, which had been previously confirmed by the NZTA but not built. He spoke about a recent parking study and highlighted the safety issues in crossing the state highway.

4.4 Paul Anderson, Waimea Road Business and Residents Society Incorporated

Mr Anderson spoke about traffic congestion and the potential for a suburban arterial along Waimea Road. He reminded the Committee of a previous request for trees and greenery along Waimea Road. Mr Anderson raised concerns about the narrowness of Waimea Road and the difficulty turning right onto the Road.

Mr Anderson said the Society supported the completion of the Southern Link. He asked that any consultation be equal and fair. Mr Anderson highlighted the need for mitigation if the Southern Link was built, and if it wasn’t, mitigation was required for Waimea Road.

Attachments

1 A1447368 - Dr John Moore Guardians of Victory - Speaking Notes - Tabled Document

2 A1445868 - Dr John Moore Guardians of Victory - Questions to Committee - Tabled Document

3 A1447406 - Craig Dennis Progress Nelson Tasman - Speaking Notes - Tabled Document

4 A1447400 - John Gilbertson Tahunanui Business Association Powerpoint

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 25 February 2015

Document number M1313, agenda pages 6 - 12 refer.

Resolved RTC/2015/001

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Transport Committee, held on 25 February 2015, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

McGurk/Copeland Carried

5.2 10 February 2015

Document number R5011, agenda pages 12 - 17 refer.

Resolved RTC/2015/003

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Transport Committee, to hear submissions to the draft Nelson Regional Land Transport Plan, held on 10 February 2015, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

McGurk/Copeland Carried

5.3 5 December 2014

Document number R5012, agenda pages 18 - 22 refer.

Resolved RTC/2015/004

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Transport Committee, held on 5 December 2014, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

McGurk/Copeland Carried

6. Chairperson's Report

Document number R4483, agenda pages 23 - 26 refer.

The Chairperson pointed out the Committee had not been involved in any discussions or provided any input to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) regarding the Nelson Southern Link. He advised it was a project determined by central government which had been placed on an accelerated investment program.

The Chairperson acknowledged that the process surrounding the project may have been different to what the community would usually expect because it was not a Council project.

Attendance: Councillor Copeland left the meeting from 1.55pm to 1.57pm.

Ms Bleakley abstained from the vote.

Resolved RTC/2015/005

THAT the Chairperson's Report (R4483) and its attachment (A1377050) be received;

Copeland/McGurk Carried

Resolved RTC/2015/006

AND THAT a letter be sent to New Zealand Transport Agency Canterbury Region requesting that Nelson be signed from Waipara via the Lewis Pass.

McGurk/Davy Carried

Attendance: The meeting adjourned from 2.01pm to 2.06pm.

7. National Land Transport Fund - Nelson Outcomes

Document number R4979, agenda pages 27 - 36 refer.

Senior Asset Engineer – Transport and Roading, Rhys Palmer, presented the report.

Comments were made on the timing of urban cycleway linkages and the proposed Rocks Road development.

Mr Palmer advised that a programme of walking and cycling projects would be presented to the upcoming Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting. It was suggested that commentary around funding could be included with the programme information.

Resolved RTC/2015/007

THAT the report National Land Transport Fund - Nelson Outcomes (R4979) and its attachment (A1434647) be received.

Davy/McGurk Carried

8. New Zealand Transport Agency Update

Document number R4989, agenda pages 37 - 44 refer.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Regional Director, Raewyn Bleakley, presented the report and advised that the NZTA Chief Executive had resigned.

Ms Bleakley spoke about the Nelson Southern Link and tabled a guide to the NZTA business case approach (A1452555) which was available on the NZTA website. She advised previous relevant studies would be drawn on when developing the business case, and said the air, noise and transport modelling had been completed.

Ms Bleakley said NZTA was in the process of completing the strategic business case phase and this would be published by the end of 2015. She pointed out that once this phase of work was complete, the focus would shift to identifying solutions.

Ms Bleakley advised that local community feedback would be sought as part of the investigation currently planned for early 2016. She highlighted that NZTA was committed to engagement as well as informing the public of investigation outcomes.

In response to a question, Ms Bleakley advised that, if requested, NZTA could hold a briefing for Council once the strategic business case was published.

Point of Order: A Point of Order was raised under Standing Order 3.13.4(a), questioning why non-members were unable to participate in the meeting. The Chairperson declined the point of order due to the controversial nature of the Nelson Southern Link.

Attendance: The meeting adjourned from 2.29pm to 2.41pm.

Resolved RTC/2015/008

THAT the report New Zealand Transport Agency Update (R4989) and its attachments (A1438448 and A1438451) be received.

Davy/McGurk Carried

Attachments

1 A1452555 - NZTA Business Case Approach - Tabled Document

There being no further business the meeting ended at 2.44pm.

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings:

Chairperson Date

Regional Transport Committee

4 July 2016

REPORT R6002

South Island Inter Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 To gain the Committee’s approval to be part of a South Island Inter Regional Transport Committee Working Group at both officer and governance levels.

2. Delegations

2.1 This is a matter for the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) as it will influence the preparation of the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP).

3. Recommendation

THAT the report South Island Inter Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group (R6002) and its attachment (A1560415) be received;

AND THAT the Committee support participating in the South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group;

AND THAT the value gained from participating in the South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group be reviewed in 2018.

4. Background

4.1 A meeting was held in Christchurch on 30 May 2016 between South Island RTC Chairs and officers to assess the case for greater collaboration.

4.2 It was independently facilitated by a consultant experienced in collaboration/partnering arrangements and included presentations on the future of transport by the Ministry of Transport (CEO Martin Mathews), the New Zealand Transport Agency (Southern Regional Director Jim Harland) and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (Principle Analyst Michael Webster). The summary of the presentations and discussion is appended as Attachment 1.

5. Discussion

Case for Collaboration – One Voice

5.1 The group agreed they share many of the same transport issues and opportunities and their ability to influence and drive change is diluted by operating independently.

5.2 The group believe by speaking with one voice through greater collaboration they would be able to make a significantly greater impact on improving transport in the South Island.

Collaboration Focus Areas

5.3 The group agreed that the top three focus areas to collaborate on were shared advocacy to important stakeholders, freight critical journeys and tourism.

5.4 Other collaboration areas identified include shared capability & resources, innovative initiatives, investment framework issues, network maintenance, road safety, legislation & generally sharing experiences.

Commitment Necessary

5.5 All present supported this initiative and the RTC Chairs committed to discuss the initiative with their councils with a view to gaining approval by the end of July 2016.

5.6 The group suggested reconvening again in three months (end August) to review progress and confirm collaboration, charter and plan. This was supported in principle by those present.

5.7 Attendance of future meetings by the Chair of this Council’s RTC and officers will attract additional cost which is unbudgeted.

5.8 In addition, the time commitment from officers to attend and contribute to future meetings will impact on an already busy programme that will result in other programmed work potentially not being delivered.

5.9 The reality is that attendance at all future meetings, by all participants, will not always be possible or required.

5.10 Access to minutes and having Tasman District Council and Marlborough District Council at the table (representing the Top of the South collaboration with Nelson) will also ensure that the views of the Top of the South are represented.

5.11 This aside, provided the proposed South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Working Group is able to work collectively together and make a difference, then involvement by this Council would be worthwhile.

5.12 As with all initiatives, it is recommended that officers review the value of Council’s participation in the working group following the update to the Regional Land Transport Plan in 2018.

6. Options

6.1 There are two options available – participate or not participate.

7. Alignment with relevant Council policy

7.1 The combined Top of the South portion of the RLTP acknowledges the key journey routes that connect the region to the south via State Highway 1, 6 and 65. The recommendation to collaborate more inclusively with our South Island neighbours will assist in understanding the freight and tourism issues on our key journey routes to the south.

7.2 The recommendation aligns with the community outcome ‘Our Council provides leadership and fosters partnerships, a regional perspective, and community engagement’. This decision is not inconsistent with any other previous Council decisions

8. Assessment of Significance against the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy

8.1 This matter is not significant in terms of Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

8.2 This matter is not significant in terms of the RLTP Significance Policy.

9. Consultation

9.1 No consultation has been undertaken.

10. Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

10.1 No consultation with Māori has been undertaken.

11. Conclusion

11.1 Whilst Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and NZTA already collaborate as part of the Top of the South group, participation by this Council in the South Island Inter Regional Transport Committee Working Group would be beneficial in order to pursue shared advocacy to important stakeholders and better understand issues from a South Island wide perspective.

11.2 Should the decision be made not to participate Nelson runs the risk of not being part of a joint South Island collaborative voice.

Rhys Palmer

Senior Asset Engineer - Transport and Roading

Attachments

Attachment 1: South Island Inter Regional Workshop - Summary of Presentations and Decisions (A1560415)

Nelson Road Safety Promotion 2016-2018

(Report prepared by Steve James, New Zealand Transport Agency)

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to request the committee to vary the current 2015-18 Regional Land Transport Programme (RLTP) to include an additional $200,000 for road safety promotion activities to complement the existing programmes in 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Delegation

2. The Regional Transport Committee has the delegated authority to vary or change the RLTP.

Background

3. Promotion, education and advertising activities promote the safe use of the land transport network through education, advertising, awareness raising and by public information to users of the transport network.

4. Nelson City Council already has an allocation from this fund that is managed by the road safety coordinator, Marg Parfitt.

5. Road safety promotion funds have been returned by other local authorities in the Central Region and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZT) Planning and Investment team have approved in principal NZTA Highways and Network Operations (HNO) to use the now unallocated funds to deliver road safety promotion in Nelson once the activity has been included into the RLTP.

6. It is the intention to coordinate the regional activities and combine funding from Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, Marlborough District Council and NZTA HNO to provide for an integrated approach to road safety outcomes on local roads and state highways throughout the top of the south..

7. The NZTA HNO regional fund will be managed jointly with similar funds that are being requested for the Tasman and Marlborough areas to provide for an integrated approach for road safety outcomes in the Top of the South region.

8. NZTA HNO is requesting $100,000 for 2016/17 and $100,000 for 2017/18.

9. The funds are from the National Land Transport Fund with no local share required.

Options

10. There are two options available to the committee. The status quo, with NZTA HNO not delivering road safety promotion activities to the Top of the South.

11. Recommended option, with NZTA HNO being part an integrated approach to road safety promotion on local roads and state highways throughout the Top of the south.

Alignment with Strategic Documents

12. Contributes towards Safer Journeys 2020, the Governments road safety strategy. A safe and responsive state highway network as part of SHAMP. Contribute to the Top of the South RLTP by making journeys safer.

Consultation

13. Consultation with the local Road Safety Coordinators in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough has been carried out. The coordinators in general welcome the additional funding to the top of the south but made it clear that there was no capacity to deliver NZTA’s programme using local staff resource. No public or iwi consultation has been undertaken, and was not felt necessary.[RP1]

Summary

14. This project will be delivered in the next two financial years subject to its inclusion in the Regional Land Transport Programme.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Nelson Regional Transport Committee vary the current 2015-18 Regional Land Transport Programme to include a total of $200,000 for Nelson Road Safety Promotion on the State Highway network spread over the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years.