30 March 2021
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Okere shared path proposal
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from Mayor Steve Chadwick re a story about Okere Falls/Mourea residents' reactions to the (Waka Kotahi's) shared pathway proposal:
My colleague said she heard you mention at a BOPRC meeting a while back residents were wanting/expecting an underpass but you apparently spoke about how unlikely this would be and the need to consult with them.
I was wondering if I could speak with you further today about the proposal. Namely what reactions you personally have heard from residents and what your thoughts are on the proposal.
Response
The reporter was advised that the mayor didn't have anything further to add to comments provided earlier this month to another RDP reporter regarding this Waka Kotahi proposal, which she understands is now with Waka Kotahi for decision-making following consultation.
Her previous comments were provided to the reporter, along with comments also provided at the time from infrastructure GM Stavros Michael.
Response from Rotorua Mayor Chadwick (to previous enquiry regarding this proposal):
"I am confident in the work that Rotorua Lakes Council and Waka Kotahi are doing in partnership to address a number of safety concerns that I have heard from our community over the years. These improvements are happening district wide with the likes of the Hemo intersection upgrade, State Highway 5 improvements, and the changes along the State Highway 33 to Paengaroa corridor.
I have continued to push for investment in our transport network and we now have more than $100million worth of upgrades in progress.
Now is the time for the community to have their say on this particular proposal. I encourage residents to provide feedback to make sure Waka Kotahi have good local insight and the right information to finalise the shared path design."
From Infrastructure GM Stavros Michael:
The proposed shared path and other safety improvements on State Highway 33 are part of the wider programme of works (Connect Rotorua) led by Waka Kotahi to improve the safety and functionality of state highways in and around Rotorua. This programme has been in place since 2016 and Council and Waka Kotahi staff meet regularly to discuss all Connect Rotorua projects.
[please note Mayor Chadwick is not involved in these operational meetings.]
Since 2016, Rotorua Lakes Council has undertaken a programme of work to establish a shared path network across Rotorua to support safe and sustainable travel options for our community. We know that pedestrians, cyclists and people looking to use other modes of transport feel more comfortable when they are separated from traffic and Council has documented significant uplift in walking and cycling since the network has begun to take shape. The addition of a shared path on State Highway 33 aims to achieve the same safety and connectivity objectives as the urban shared path network and we are strongly in support of these proposals.
Rotorua Lakes Council is working together with Rotorua Lakes Community Board and Waka Kotahi to identify and implement road safety and amenity improvements around lakeside communities - especially where State Highways are central to those communities. This includes further consideration about what is required to improve safety within the vicinity of the busy Okere Falls area, and improvements to State Highway 30/33 intersection and pedestrian safety for schools along State Highway 30 (near the airport).
All users of this road corridor stand to benefit from the proposed improvements. For the local community it means enhanced amenity and safe access while visitors will experience a better perception of safety and greater enjoyment of the area during their visit.
We have no major concerns about this proposal. We are supportive of the incremental improvements that are undertaken by Waka Kotahi on or near the three state highway corridors in the Connect Rotorua programme. We look forward to an ongoing programme that will continue the optimisation of the transport network and address a number of our district's needs for residential development, economic activity, tourism and safe and sustainable transport options.
We are very aware of the suggestions to construct an underpass there and we understand the rationale for these suggestions including the concerns of locals and visitors to the area. At the same time, we are aware of the key technical, environmental and financial considerations that make such a proposal problematic. We believe that the current proposal in conjunction with reduced speed limits will provide a great platform for a safer environment for all users. However, Council and Waka Kotahi will continue to monitor the area and assess potential further improvements.
Council won't be providing financial support to this current proposal. However we may in the future jointly fund further improvements with Waka Kotahi.