New strategy for transport adopted

The Regional Land Transport Strategy was adopted today at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council meeting held in Whakatane.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Transport Committee Chairman Jane Nees said that the strategy identifies the region's future transport needs and outlines how those needs might be met.

“It provides a framework to guide investment to achieve a better transport system for a growing economy, and a safe and vibrant Bay lifestyle,” she said.

The strategy has been through a full public consultation and over 30 submissions were received from individuals and organisations.

“This Regional Land Transport Strategy continues to reflect the region’s well advanced plans to manage growth and improve integration between transport infrastructure and land use,” Councillor Nees said.

“It also continues the theme from the last Strategy, of optimising our current network before seeking new network improvements,” she said.

In this Strategy, road safety is a key principle that underlies all network improvements. The Strategy also has a very strong and on-going focus on economic growth and productivity.

“I look forward to seeing the development of our transport systems with this new strategy now in place,” Councillor Nees said.