After confirmation that anticipated co-funding from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) was not prioritised in the current National Land Transport programme (NLTP), a revised value for money option for the upgrade was presented to Council today.
A unanimous decision was made at a Council meeting today to commit to delivering the project and to go out to the community for their feedback on the revised concept design.
The transport components of the project – worth $98.8 million - can potentially be funded solely via the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (Crown grant), Infrastructure Funding and Financing Levy (of which ratepayers have contributed about $20 million), and developer contributions. The waters components – worth another $86.7 million – are fully funded in the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan.
The ’emerging preferred’ concept design includes four-laning Cameron Road, from 17th Avenue near Tauranga Hospital to Maleme Street by the Tauranga Racecourse, as well as separated on-road cycle lanes and shared paths for walking and cycling where there is limited space.
The outside lanes are proposed to operate as transit lanes in peak periods with on-street parking still available in the off peak. In the long-term, these lanes could be converted to full-time transit lanes.
There are multiple options proposed for Greerton Village that would see either two lanes or four lanes of traffic, and traffic signals or roundabouts at the Chadwick Road and Cornwall Street intersections.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the revised concept plan is a practical, value for money solution that will provide Council with the best opportunity to deliver the project now.
“The Cameron Road Stage 2 upgrade is a key driver for enabling growth in Tauranga, which is currently experiencing a housing crisis,” says Mahé.
“Without the right infrastructure – improved roads and upgrades to our aging water supply and wastewater network – we are not going to be able to meet the demand for new houses.
“We have already invested in Cameron Road Stage 1 and in the Tauriko Enabling Works, which facilitate the development of 2400 homes in Tauriko West, and open the opportunity for extensive development in the city’s Western Corridor. The full benefit of this won’t be realised without the Cameron Road Stage 2 improvements, which will link people from the west to the city centre and beyond, contributing to the Tauranga’s economic growth and prosperity.”
The Infrastructure Acceleration Fund is currently undergoing a review so there is a risk that this funding source could be lost, however the fund administrator advised that if Council made a commitment to deliver the Cameron Road Stage 2 upgrade by 30 June 2030, this could increase the chance of keeping this funding.
Community engagement on the concept design will get underway following confirmation from central government that anticipated Infrastructure Acceleration Fund contributions remain available, with a report back to the City Future Committee in 2026 to confirm the design before it moves into detailed design planning.