A total of $1.4 billion is forecast to be invested in Otago and Southland over the next three years as part of the government’s National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) for 2024-27, which was unveiled yesterday.
This includes $313 million in maintenance operations investment and a $562m pothole prevention package, along with $333m for state highway and local road improvements and $125m for public transport.
In a statement, Transport Minister Simeon Brown said the investment in the region would create a more resilient and efficient network to support economic growth and productivity.
"Over the next three years, this investment will deliver critical infrastructure that reduces travel times for locals and tourists and delivers a safe and reliable network that gets goods to Port Otago for export," he said.
Total investment in Otago and Southland had risen about 27% from the 2021-24 period, compared with an increase of about 35% nationally to $32.9b.
DCC infrastructure services committee chairman Jim O’Malley said the council had known the NLTP "wasn’t going to be great".
"We always do end up on the wrong side of the equation in terms of investment in general — this almost seems worse, to be honest."
Cr O’Malley said his main concern was the area in front of the hospital on SH1.
It was going to need "more than just painting new lines" and needed to be made a lot more liveable for people there, as there would be many more pedestrians once the new hospital was constructed than there were before, he said.
"I’m still not really convinced that there’s going to be enough money put in to do that properly.
"I know that they’re trying to do their best, but, again, the budget for that is very limited."
The programme said that for Otago and Southland "most of the region" had enough capacity to meet current and future demand.
Cr O’Malley said this was "definitely not true" for downtown Dunedin and downtown Queenstown.
SH1 between Mosgiel and Waihola was one of the "most dangerous in the country" and needed major upgrades, and the programme needed to consider the fact there were still cities in the area, he said.
"Too often the decision is made at far too remote a distance to understand the constraints we’re coming under, and we are definitely coming under traffic constraints in parts of Dunedin".
Southland Mayor Rob Scott said any increase to the fund was much needed and would be "welcomed with open arms".
But it was frustrating from a timing point of view as the Southland District Council had just approved the budget as part of its long-term plan.
Investment in roading maintenance was a positive step and important to keep on top of, he said.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers said they were happy with their roads of regional significance package given the tight financial constraints, work for which had kicked off within the past six months.
"Given the growth we’re facing it’s what’s the next step afterwards?" he said.
"I can see where their priorities are. They have certainly delivered on what their priorities have been indicated."
Queenstown’s growth was on "the extreme edge" and Mr Lewers did not believe the market could deliver on any increased investment anyway.
