People keen to have an input on the effective blueprint for transport spending across Northland over the next three years are being urged to attend one of a series of ‘Have Your Say’ events around the region next week. (subs: 15-17 January)

Northland’s Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2015-2021 is now halfway through its six-year lifespan and undergoing a legally required review, with public comment being sought until the end of the month.

The RLTP details local roading projects proposed by Northland’s three district councils, state highway projects put forward by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), and strategic projects and public transport matters dealt with by the Northland Regional Council.

Regional councillor John Bain, who chairs the Northland Regional Transport Committee, says the review has identified two new major projects for inclusion in the revised plan; the revitalisation of the Twin Coast Discovery Route and improvements to State Highway 1 between Te Hana and Whangarei.

Councillor Bain says an extended six-week public submission period (to allow extra time given the Christmas/New Year break) began late last year and runs until the end of January.

“As part of this, instead of traditional public hearings, there will be a series of ‘Have Your Say’ events around the region shortly and we urge as many people as possible to attend one or more of these.”

The ‘Have Your Say’ events will be held at:

• Whangarei; Monday, 15 January, 9am –11am, Northland Regional Council Chambers
• Dargaville; Monday, 15 January, 2pm– 4pm, Dargaville Town Hall
• Opononi; Tuesday, 16 January, 10am – noon, Opononi Hall
• Kaikohe; Tuesday, 16 January, 2.30pm – 4.30pm, Far North District Council Chambers
• Kaitaia; Wednesday, 17 January, 10am – noon, Te Ahu Centre
• Kerikeri; Wednesday, 17 January, 3pm – 5pm, Kingston House

To find out more and have your say, go to www.nrc.govt.nz/transportplan

Meanwhile, Cr Bain says some of the major projects in the RLTP either already completed or which have begun since 2015 include:

• Safety and realignment work on SH1 on the north side of the Brynderwyns
• The designation of Mangakahia as State Highway 15
• SH1 Akerama Curves realignment
• SH12 Matakohe Bridge realignment and reconstruction
• SH11 Airfield to Lily Pond safety improvements, and
• SH1 Whangarei Bypass improvements.

Councillor Bain reiterates there will never be enough funding – locally or nationally – to undertake all the desired construction, upgrading and maintenance work across Northland’s transport infrastructure.

“Given funding is limited, we need to ensure the proposed spend delivers the best benefits for our region collectively.”

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