Council adopts 30-year Future Transport Strategy

The Ōtautahi Christchurch Future Transport Strategy, adopted by the Christchurch City Council today, sets the strategic direction for land transport across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula for the next 30 years.

Mayor Phil Mauger says a well-planned and well-functioning transport system is central in developing a modern, vibrant, prosperous district that is resilient to the effects of climate change.

“The strategy guides our strategic transport investment, planning and policy work programmes,” he says.

The Council sought public feedback on the draft strategy over four weeks from 8 November 2024 and received 104 submissions – 22 from recognised organisations and 72 from individuals. 

Just under half (49%) of submitters were supportive of the draft strategy, 39% were somewhat supportive and 12% were not supportive.

“We’ve listened to and considered all the feedback received, and considered several changes based on that feedback.”

The main amendments include:

• Strengthening the vision statement by changing its reference to enabling everyone to move around ‘easily’ to ‘reliably and efficiently’.
• Including an overarching goal for inclusive and equitable access
• Clarifying references to growth challenges and opportunities in the Planning for Growth section
• More explicitly connecting safety, health and wellbeing actions across the strategy goals

Mr Mauger says nailing down a strategic transport strategy to guide decision-making for the next 30 years is an important piece of work that will take the city beyond the earthquake-repairs focus of the 2012 strategy.

“We’re in a much better place now to focus our attention on our future needs as our district continues to grow and prosper, technology changes and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent,” he says.