Multi-modal approach to funding of land transport projects

Transfund New Zealand has taken a multi-modal approach in funding land transport projects this month with an alternatives to roading and several walking and cycling projects approved.

At its April meeting, the Transfund Board agreed to fund:

· $12,500 for an evaluation into a Bay of Plenty barging project. The evaluation relates to a proposal to barge logs from Te Kaha, north-east of Opotiki, across Bay of Plenty to the Port of Tauranga. The proposal was put forward by Environment Bay of Plenty.

· $265,200 for walking and cycling projects in Hamilton (inclusion of a riverside cycleway in the Hamilton cycleway network requested by Hamilton City Council), Christchurch (a cycle safe project, and pedestrian safety improvements at Marshland Road, requested by Christchurch City Council) and Dunedin (upgrade of footpaths as a result of the city's new pedestrian strategy, construction of cycle lanes along Kaikorai Valley Road, cycleway signage and improving safety of cyclists along Portsmouth Drive, Forbury Road and Kaikorai Valley, requested by Dunedin City Council).

A request by Clutha District Council for a tarseal extension on the Chaslands Highway in the Catlins has been deferred and will be prioritised in the 2003/04 National Land Transport Programme.

Planning and evaluation manager Richard Braae said the project was delayed because funding this project ahead of locally supported State highway projects in the South Island would be difficult to justify. It would be better considered against a wide range of projects, he said.

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