Willy Trolove: Lets’ Get Wellington Moving (LGWM)
Willy, the Communications and Engagement leader at the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) has an impressive background in Civil Engineering, has worked as Communications Director in the Prime Minister’s Office, and was until recently the External Relations Manager for the Institute of Directors (IoD).
He introduced us to LGWM’s Indicative Package and Next Steps for the massive multi-million 20- year project to reshape the city. The vision is that Wellington as a great harbour city, should be accessible to all, with attractive places, shared streets, and with efficient local and regional journeys.
He said, to realise that vision we need to move more people with fewer vehicles.
The background to formation of LGWM was the critical need for a collaborative approach by the Wellington City Council (WCC), the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and NZTA working together to deliver a transformational programme. An MOU has seen the establishment of the governance group comprising key staff from the three agencies.
The focus for LGWM is the area from Ngauranga Gorge to Wellington Airport, encompassing the Wellington urban motorway and connections to Wellington Hospital and the eastern and southern suburbs.
Although Wellington has been identified as the world’s most liveable city and is undoubtedly unique, it has challenges given its geology and geography. As it grows, so does congestion.
Since 2016, LGWM has conducted several surveys on Wellingtonians transport systems based on the five objectives of liveability, attractiveness, efficient and reliable access, reducing the reliance on cars – the need to move more people with fewer cars – and safety (bearing in mind the faultline).
Toward making Wellington a more vibrant city, they have taken a strategic approach to improve public transport, improve the state highway, provide better access to the highway, and improve the pedestrian environment.
In 2018 LGWM submitted to central government a recommended programme to improve walking, cycling and improve public transport – integrating urban development with transport. They proposed a whole of system approach, with a range of improvements working together. Central government liked some of the recommendations but not all for the 20-year package of investment expenditure ($3.7 billion).
This month, the government announced the indicative package for LGWM including its funding commitment – their share of the $6.4 billion plan. The total cost is split 60:40 between central government and local government to reflect the wider benefits of the package. Because the term of the plan spans a number of electoral cycles, it is critical the government has ultimate responsibility.
Projects within the indicative package are:
- A walkable city
- Connected cycleways
- Public transport to and through the city
- Smarter transport network
- Rapid transit
- Unblocking the Basin Reserve
- Extra Mount Victoria Tunnel
Government commitment is just the start. The next steps for the LGWM team will see them engaging with stakeholders and developing project business cases processes for components of the package.
Willy finished of by stating the tagline – all modes on all roads!
He was very generous with his time and took many questions from the floor. I was particularly interested in Steve’s comments on the clear and present danger of footpaths.
Roz Fogel
Club Reporter
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