The Council and the Regional Transport Committee are responsible for Taranaki's major strategic planning documents.
These include the Regional Land Transport Strategy, the Regional Passenger Transport Plan for Taranaki (part two of the Strategy) and the Regional Walkways and Cycleways Strategy for Taranaki.
Review of the Regional Land Transport Strategy for Taranaki
The Regional Land Transport Strategy for Taranaki 2006 (RLTS) is currently under review in recognition of new requirements under the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 which now guides the development of these strategy document. This Act now specifies that RLTSs:
- Have a planning horizon of 30 years rather than 10 years.
- Need to take into account the new Government policy direction set via the New Zealand Transport Strategy 2008 and the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding 2009.
- Need to be reviewed at least every 6 years.
To kick start this review process a Regional Land Transport Strategy Discussion Paper has been prepared and sent out for public input. This Discussion Paper examines the vision, transport outcomes and strategic land transport options included in the current Regional Land Transport Strategy for Taranaki to determine whether these still fit with the region's aims for its transport system.
Following this Discussion Paper, a public workshop has been held to discuss the Strategy content and direction. Information gathered at this workshop will be used to prepare a draft Strategy for public consultation in early to mid 2010.
Regional Land Transport Strategy Discussion Paper (313kb)
Regional Land Transport Strategy for Taranaki
Part I aims to identify the outcomes our community wants to achieve for our land transport system in the region and what options we have for achieving those outcomes. The Strategy looks at such things as:
- The reliability and security of our roads and rail infrastructure.
- The efficiency of our land transport networks and how actions in these areas can help the future development of the region.
- Safety issues (for example, roading improvements and driver education).
- Improving access and mobility for those disadvantaged in respect of transport.
- Promoting public health.
- Promoting environmental sustainability in land transport planning.
Part II, the Regional Passenger Transport Plan for Taranaki, specifies the passenger services the Taranaki Regional Council proposes for the region. In many cases the Council proposes to let market demands continue to determine the level of passenger services offered.
In other situations however, the Council proposes targeted assistance for public passenger services where commercial opportunities are lacking.
Regional Land Transport Strategy 1.8mb
Regional Walkways and Cycleways Strategy for Taranaki
The Council developed the Regional Walkways and Cycleways Strategy to promote the increased uptake of walking and cycling activities throughout Taranaki.
This is the first such strategy document for the region and provides a framework for developing and implementing a range of walking and cycling related initiatives. It is also an extension of New Zealand's commitment to promoting walking and cycling throughout the country.