Tag Archives: Cycle network

Cycleways and scattered nails

bike - fixed gear track racing [humancyclist.wordpress.com] 1

### radionz.co.nz 24 June 2016 at 9:23 pm
RNZ News
Cycleway truce called as review set up
By Michael Cropp
Wellington’s beleaguered cycleway programme will not be getting the shot in the arm some were hoping for – instead it will be reviewed, refreshed and recommissioned. The outcome of that process – a ‘refreshed cycleways programme’ – would go to the Wellington City Council’s transport committee in August, the council announced today. Meanwhile, Island Bay Residents’ Association had reached a truce with cycling advocates and councillors, and was planning to start on its own consultation. A New Zealand Transport Agency report this month on the council’s ability to implement its programme stated the fallout from the Island Bay project had jeopardised the council’s other cycleway initiatives, and had eroded the public’s faith in the council. It said the council had lost the confidence of officials and ministers. Today’s announcement was intended to provide a pathway to regaining that trust.
Read more

IDEAS !!!!

nails 1 [hdwires.in]

Earlier this year, nails were scattered on the cycleway and the local residents’ association threatened a rates revolt if it wasn’t dug up.

### radionz.co.nz 1 June 2016 at 6:44 pm
RNZ News
WCC told it let spokes fall off cycleway plan
By Michael Cropp
The way Wellington City Council conducted the rollout of a controversial cycleway in Island Bay has hurt its city-wide ambitions for the bike routes, an independent review has found. The report into the city’s cycleways, which was commissioned by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), concluded people felt the path in the southern suburb was a poor solution that was delivered without proper community engagement and consultation. It recommended it be reviewed and modified after further community consultation.
Read more

Read the report commissioned by NZTA (PDF, 1.3MB)

Related RNZ stories:
Legal costs mount in battle over Southland cycleway
Modified Hutt Rd cycleway plans welcomed
Capital cycleway faces strong opposition

****

Meanwhile at Dunedin…. plodding incompetence. A recent series of city council-led (earworms: Spokes Dunedin and NZTA) technical planning and cycleway construction FAILURES, at Exorbitant Expense forced on Ratepayers. All this while South Dunedin core infrastructure maintenance and upgrades received little if no DCC attention, ultimately leading to Council-fuelled multimillion-dollar flood damage. And now, the ODT Editor exhibits gut-wrenching Cheek to devoutly urge DCC to YES, Build Cycleways!

Fri, 24 Jun 2016
ODT Editorial: Learning from cycleway errors
OPINION After a long year of construction, mistakes, remedial work, wasted money and public dissatisfaction the South Dunedin Cycle Network has finally been shunted down the council’s cycleway queue. In an Otago Daily Times report this month council infrastructure networks general manager Ruth Stokes said she could not say when the South Dunedin network would be completed. The new focus, she said, was to employ the limited available resources on fixing the Portobello Rd cycleway and the central city network.

“Build them well, build them smart and build them efficiently.” (ODT)

SPOKES Dunedin speaks out for cycling in Dunedin, New Zealand and represents everyone who rides a bike or would like to ride a bike in the city. SPOKES is a local volunteer cycling advocacy group founded in 1996 as an affiliate of the New Zealand Cycling Advocates Network. SPOKES Dunedin is an incorporated society registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.

bike dog jun co-passage [hbr.org]

We look forward to working with the Dunedin City Council to develop a real cycle network for Dunedin. (Spokes)

God Almighty! Read this:

█ SPOKES DUNEDIN SUBMISSION ON DRAFT 2016-2017 ANNUAL PLAN
Posted on April 6, 2016 by spokesdunedin

Summary
A change of scope is needed for Dunedin’s cycling network, but it is unclear what the DCC’s change in scope actually means, and higher standard cycleways are only part of the story. Spokes Dunedin has a vision for successfully realising the cycle network. We want everyone to be able to cycle from North Dunedin to South Dunedin, out both sides of the Harbour, and through the tunnels to Green Island and Mosgiel on a connected framework of city-spanning arterial routes that are safe, direct, and convenient to use. This will focus work where there is a clear need for improved safety rather than on streets that are already relatively safe, and will create a solid initial network that can grow and develop in response to future demand. The great thing is that there already exists some cycling infrastructure on many of the routes for this initial network. Several things can be achieved by the end of this year that will help Dunedin catch back up to where it should be.

To do in 2016
1. Support NZTA to begin construction of the SH1 separated lanes by the end of this year.
2. Fix Portobello Road – it’s already been two years. We don’t need fancy landscaping, we just need the median barrier realignment so the road looks like a road and the cycleway looks like a cycleway.
3. Complete the Wharf/Roberts intersection as agreed – it’s already been two years. This intersection presents an identified safety risk on a high demand route.
4. Continue the SH88 path through the rail corridor to the railway station, thereby providing an alternative to the cycle lanes on Anzac Ave (heavy freight route and high risk).
5. Create a separated cycle lane from the intersection of Andersons Bay/Strathallan, along The Oval, to Crawford Street in place of the existing cycle lane between two lanes of fast-moving traffic.
6. Develop plans for a separated cycle lane on North Road and safety improvements for the Opoho intersection to tie in with NZTA’s forthcoming separated cycle lanes on SH1. This route is of very high strategic priority.

Introduction
Dunedin is a pro-cycling city, where a significant proportion of the population regularly cycles for recreation, transportation, or both. Year after year, cycling is one of the most strongly supported and heavily submitted-on topics in the annual plan. One of the biggest public consultation events in Dunedin history was held in 2013 regarding the proposed SH1 separated cycle lanes. In addition to widespread media coverage, NZTA and DCC staff solicited input from the public at information booths in busy locations including the Golden Center, Toitu, and the University. With over 2000 written submissions and roughly 800 survey responses, the SH1 separated cycle lanes received one of the highest response rates of any topic ever consulted on. The result was overwhelming support for the proposed separated cycle lanes. Independently, the AA undertook a survey of their local membership, with over 70% of the nearly 1500 respondents supporting the proposed separated lanes. The overwhelming public demand and support for better cycling in Dunedin cannot be denied.
In response to this demand, the City rightly undertook to develop a Strategic Cycle Network. But the South Dunedin portion of the cycle network has not delivered on the ambitions of the cycle network plan adopted in 2011. Nothing has progressed in the last year, leaving half-finished elements scattered around, with other things ripped out without consultation.
Some might argue that we should throw up our hands in despair, abandoning the possibility of future success under the fear of past failures. But others know that setbacks are par for the course when charting new waters and trying new things. Where would we be if the likes of Cook, Columbus, or Magellan had turned around after the first storm and torn sail? Those leaders stayed the course, their sailors gained experience, and they ultimately changed the world.
Read more

“SPOKES, CYCLE-SAIL OFF THE EDGE OF THE WORLD WHY NOT”
Sail wagon [en.wikipedia.org] 1

█ For more, enter the terms *cycle* and *christmas present* in the search box at right.

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Election Year. This post is offered in the public interest.

*Images: (from top) humancyclist.wordpress.com – fixed track racing | hdwires.in – nails | hbr.org – bike dog jun co-passage | en.wikipedia.org – sail wagon

19 Comments

Filed under Business, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, District Plan, Dunedin, Economics, Education, Finance, Geography, Health, Housing, Infrastructure, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, OAG, Ombudsman, People, Pet projects, Politics, Project management, Proposed 2GP, Public interest, Resource management, South Dunedin, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

Mayor Cull and the GREAT Asbestos Defeat ….trucks in toxic waste

Dave doesn’t know whether to swallow his kornies or not.

Dave breakfast gruel - Warcraft-All-Nighter-Gamer [cartoonaday.com] tweaked (1)

His hair is turning grey, he’s feeling tired and he looks old.

Meanwhile, someone files divorce papers.
[“I thought we were Green! I can’t understand you anymore! Asbestos for cash?! These are your scarves, your suits, I’m throwing out the window – along with this stupid bike helmet, used camel shackles and all the skanky lycra. Go away!”]

Secretly, young woman seen rubbing hands with glee at so much dosh.

[Stifle obvious questions about what else goes into Green Island landfill. This is Tartan Mafia town.]

DCC receives $millions for landfill dumping of hazardous waste, WHO CARES ABOUT GREEN except for the imprint of Serious Money to bolster Council slush funds, rugby? stadium ? cricket ? – anyone ?

NOO! For Sue’s next trips to Oxford, staff’s Grand Central City Plan, and some left-over to pay planning fees and charges for the VB’s aquarium, hotel and connector bridge to the waterfront.

[Share spoils, maties! Leave suspicious Ratepayers out of it.]

There are no serious equitable plans to improve South Dunedin or Mosgiel drainage systems, or manage coastal erosion.

The dilemmas of High Office and short men.

Cheaper to dump hazardous waste at Dunedin than at Canterbury.
DCC stoopid again, takes a cheap ride instead of bumping up contract price.

Deals worth millions of dollars —council staff cite commercial sensitivity.

### ODT Online Tue, 24 Nov 2015
Asbestos fill headed for Dunedin
By Chris Morris
Up to 12,000 tonnes of asbestos-contaminated fill from Canterbury is destined to be dumped in Dunedin, but that might just be the tip of a toxic – but lucrative – iceberg. The Otago Daily Times understands the Dunedin City Council has more than one contract to accept contaminated material from outside the city at the Green Island landfill.
Read more

The latest inanity. [Comic Sans]
Cull on SDunedin RNZ interview 20.11.15 (2)Source: RNZ News: South Dunedin considers sea level threat.
20 November 2015 at 8:42 a.m. (AUDIO LINK)

[Listen and Learn] At another thread:

JimmyJones
June 17, 2015 at 9:49 am

Hype O’Thermia: YouTube and Wikipedia are good places to find out more about ICLEI. ICLEI teaches the DCC how to inflict the Sustainable Development world view on the citizens by using devious, undemocratic, secret and manipulative methods. ICLEI has helped the DCC to produce “marketing and communication” strategies to break down barriers to their deeply stupid ideas being accepted by the public. The goal is “behaviour change”. East Germany had the Stasi (Staatssicherheit), now we have ICLEI, Dave Cull and Sue Bidrose.

The influence of ICLEI explains a few things – like the DCC’s tendency towards increasingly secret (staff only) decision-making (eg the development and implementation of the Environment Strategy) and the generally severely deficient level of public consultation due to: skimpy information, poor publicity, expanding decisions beyond the scope of the consultation and treating it as just a ceremonial procedure (eg Dave’s Bicycle Network and its implementation). The pursuit of ICLEI’s goals is a direct cause of the underfunding of the city’s deficient (and worsening) infrastructure.

As far as I can tell most DCC councillors don’t know that the DCC has become a member of ICLEI and are unaware of the financial cost and its big influence in forming DCC policy. This demonstrates a problem with the attitude of the staff that councillors need to fix. The collusion between Dave Cull and Sue Bidrose is, however, a barrier to this that needs to be overcome. Councillors need to stop sleepwalking and start to become aware of the decisions that are being made without their involvement.

[ends]

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: cartoonaday.com – Dave breakfast gruel [Warcraft-All-Nighter-Gamer tweaked by whatifdunedin]

15 Comments

Filed under Architecture, Business, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Dunedin, Economics, Geography, Hot air, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZRU, NZTA, OAG, OCA, Ombudsman, ORFU, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Stadiums, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, University of Otago, Urban design

DCC cycle lanes, the real reason……. foul-ups @DUD

Received from Brian Miller
Sat, 24 Oct 2015 at 5:40 p.m.

The real reason why DCC wants cyclists to have their own cycling lane.

So this is why those people in funny clothes wander all over our roads!
—I knew there was a reason why I took up biking.

THE RETIREMENT BICYCLE
Retirement BicycleImage: Supplied

My doctor says to drink lots while exercising!
And I always follow the doctor’s advice.

Related Posts and Comments:
22.10.15 Bloody DCC —superlative cost blowout #cycleways #SUCKS
6.10.15 DCC v Tauranga CC + costly stadium cycle/walkway :[
12.9.15 Cr Kate ‘Cycleways’ Wilson —(disingenuous) fails constituents
3.9.15 Dunedin support for extensive cycle lanes and Free bicycles
22.8.15 DCC cycleway$ now tied to more ‘urban de$ign’ $pend…
18.7.15 DCC Cycleways: SEEING RED, apology NOT accepted
10.4.15 DCC cycleways propaganda continues #SpendSpendSpend
20.3.15 DCC Shame …John Wilson Dr nonsense, now Portobello Rd cycleway
11.2.15 Dunedin Cycleways: Pet project staff, ‘entitlement’? #irony

█ For more on Dunedin’s inordinately expensive Strategic Cycle Network, enter the term *cycle* in the search box at right.

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

15 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Dunedin, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, Hot air, Inspiration, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, OAG, Ombudsman, People, Pics, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, Urban design, What stadium

Bloody DCC —superlative cost blowout #cycleways #SUCKS

#GreaterDunedinNOTsustainable
#DaveCullNOTsustainable
#KateWilsonNOTsustainable
#JintyMacTavishNOTsustainable
#CouncilStaffManagersNOTsustainable

Cycling [screenshot at YT].jpgNo photograph of Kate in lycra could be found. The Mayor and MacTavish were both camel shackled when our photographer called (say no more).

### ODT Online Thu, 22 Oct 2015
Dunedin cycleway cost blowout
By Craig Borley
Building Dunedin’s cycleways could cost “three to four times” more per metre than first thought. That news was delivered to the Dunedin City Council’s infrastructure services committee this morning by the council’s infrastructure and networks general manager Ruth Stokes

The committee voted to continue with the rollout of the network, ensuring the design and finish were of the more expensive, higher quality option.

Read more

█ Council Reports available at What if? via (12.10.15)https://dunedinstadium.wordpress.com/2015/08/22/dcc-cycleways-now-tied-to-more-urban-design-spend-after-rehash-numero/#comment-66330

Sandy Graham advises there is one amended page (item 6 ph 6.8) – a map was altered for clarity. The website copy will be updated with the amended page.

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: [screenshot] youtube.com – Cycling Training Program – Crashing on a bike

57 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Economics, Geography, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, OAG, Ombudsman, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, Urban design, What stadium

Cr Kate ‘Cycleways’ Wilson —(disingenuous) fails constituents

█ Cr Kate Wilson says cycleways will bring myriad benefits to Dunedin.

ODT Online Sat, 25 Jul 2015
Why Dunedin is investing in cycling
By Craig Borley
Dunedin appears divided over the cycle network. Some see it as unnecessary. Others see it as vital. ODT reporter Craig Borley spoke to Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson, chairwoman of the infrastructure services committee, about why the city is investing in cycle infrastructure.
Read more

█ The Dunedin City Council is sleep-walking to yet another poorly thought out cycleway project. (ODT)

### ODT Online Thu, 20 Aug 2015
Time to put brakes on cycleway
By Hilary Calvert
OPINION Somehow, the Dunedin City Council has been so beguiled by the gift-horse that is the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) that it seems to have completely forgotten to carry out its proper role of looking after the interests of the citizens of Dunedin in respect of the State Highway 1 cycleway plans.
Read more

ODT 26.8.15 (page 8)
– shot in a half-lit Dunedin café off the beaten cycle paths

ODT 26.8.15 Letter to editor Wilson Diehl Hopkins p12

█ Proposed: Separated cycle lanes to run along north and south one way routes, between Botanic Garden and Queens Gardens.

### ODT Online Thu, 10 Sep 2015
Dedicated cycle lanes get closer
By Craig Borley
Nationally-funded separated cycle lanes along Dunedin’s one way system are now two steps closer as the project moves swiftly through the New Zealand Transport Agency machine.
Read more

NZTA said it had resolved to:
• Incorporate high turnover short term parking for businesses, particularly those reliant on short stay kerbside parking and deliveries
• Incorporate medium term parking close to the hospital and museum.
Updated plans were now being prepared to show where the parking would be included. The plans will be available for public comment at the end of the month.

ODT 11.9.15 (page 16)

ODT 11.9.15 Letters to editor Hopkins Pillans Oaten (1) p16

Related Posts and Comments:
● 3.9.15 Dunedin support for extensive cycle lanes and Free bicycles
● 22.8.15 DCC cycleway$ now tied to more ‘urban de$ign’ $pend….
● 18.7.15 DCC Cycleways: SEEING RED, apology NOT accepted
● 10.4.15 DCC cycleways propaganda continues #SpendSpendSpend
20.3.15 DCC Shame: First, John Wilson Dr … now Portobello Rd cycleway
11.2.15 Dunedin Cycleways: Pet project staff, ‘entitlement’? #irony
3.12.14 Cycling at Dunedin —boring debate, network spending continues #DUD
22.5.14 DCC Transportation Planning —ANOTHER consultation disaster
6.5.14 Roading network screwed by council staff
● 14.2.14 DCC: Broadband AND bicycles #fraudband speed
14.1.14 DCC: Hospital area parking changes #cyclelanes
5.1.14 Norman Foster: SkyCycling utopia above London railways #ThinkBig
24.12.13 Daaave’s $47 million Christmas present to Jinty. We’re paying.
4.12.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten greeted by DCC silence
17.11.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten’s alternative route
17.11.13 Cull and MacTavish… “Have you fixed the debt crisis?”
14.11.13 Cycle lane explosions and puncture kits (SPOKES grenades launch)
8.11.13 Dunedin Separated Cycle Lane Proposal [how to make a submission]
29.10.13 DCC (EDU) invents new job! [GigatownDunedin]
19.10.13 Cycle lobby games and media tilts
24.9.13 Mediocrity and lack of critical awareness at DCC [council reports]
8.7.13 Bloody $tupid cycleways and Cull’s electioneering… [route maps]
28.3.13 DCC DAP 2013/14: Portobello Harington Point Road Improvements
26.2.13 DCC binge spending alert: Proposed South Dunedin cycle network
22.2.13 DCC: Council meeting agenda and reports for 25 February 2013
31.1.13 Who? 2010 electioneering
21.11.12 Safe cycling -Cr Fliss Butcher
5.11.12 DCC, NZTA: Cycle lanes controversy

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

15 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, Geography, Hot air, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

Dunedin support for extensive cycle lanes and Free bicycles

### ODT Online Thu, 3 Sep 2015
Refugee crisis: ‘We’re not ruling out doing more’ – PM
The Government was considering fast-tracking a review of how many refugees it takes, Prime Minister John Key said today, as the humanitarian crisis escalates with millions fleeing war-torn Syria. A review of New Zealand’s refugee quota is scheduled for next year. NZME
Read more

Received from John Evans
Thu, 3 Sep 2015 at 7:21 p.m.

█ Subject: A Question

Why have Spokes, Jinty and all the other BHL (bleeding heart cycle proponents) not supported extensive cycle lanes and Free bicycles for placement at the Hungarian rail station.

The advantages:

● A gross saving of 250 Euros per capita (approximately $200 million just for German refugees) Rail Fares
● A solution to the problem of fitness amongst Syrian refugees
● More mosques for Germany and less for Hungary (and New Zealand)
(just in case this seems insensitive to you, there are 8 mosques in Auburn alone, a small suburb of Sydney)
● And finally, it would put the cycleways fairly where people want to go, not on foot or in a car from Hungary Station to Deutschland; not from South Dunedin where they are unwanted, to Dunedin where they are unused! 2.6% of commuters travel to WORK by bicycle in Dunedin? We know that is bull**it. It is possible that lazy Dunedin students living in North Dunedin ride a bike to university rather than walk and they cannot afford cars or parking fees, but give them a free car and car park and see how many cycle!

As to lecturers, from my experience the major contributor again to this queer behaviour is a desire to reduce cost of travel and parking, rather than some higher ideal.

[ends]

Santa [cycle-lane-2-copy1]Daaave’s $47 million Christmas present to Jinty. We’re paying.

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

2 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, Geography, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

DCC cycleway$ now tied to more ‘urban de$ign’ $pend, after reha$h numero…..

bike crash death [examiner.com]Image: examiner.com

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
South Dunedin Cycle Network Changes Start Soon

This item was published on 21 Aug 2015

Alterations to some parts of the South Dunedin Cycle Network will start shortly as the Dunedin City Council works to deliver safe, high quality and attractive cycleways in the city. General Manager Infrastructure and Networks Ruth Stokes says the DCC has listened to public feedback about existing South Dunedin cycleways and in response changes are being made to some intersections.

“We’ve accepted we didn’t get these designs right first time, but we have taken on board what the community has told us and we are making changes. As always, the priority will be safety, not just for cyclists, but for pedestrians and motorists too. There will also be a new urban design element to the construction that will enhance every street which has a cycleway.”

The first step is to remove sections of the existing South Dunedin Cycle Network (SDCN) that have given rise to public concern regarding vehicle access. As each section is due to be altered, residents and businesses in and near the affected streets will receive notification from the DCC and its contractor, Downer. The work is scheduled to begin later this month.

This remedial work incorporates the following:
● At the Hargest Crescent/Richardson Street and Richardson Street/Moreau Street intersections the ‘floating’ traffic islands will be removed to improve traffic flow (kerb protrusions will remain).
● The Marlow Street/Royal Crescent intersection will have two way traffic flow reinstated in response to residents’ requests. Two way traffic flow will also be reinstated at the Prince Albert Road/New Street and Churchill Street/Bellona Street intersections.
● Coughtrey Street and Richardson Street – ‘ghost’ road markings will be removed and new road markings laid.
● Signs and road markings will be installed across all the existing SDCN to improve intuitive way-finding for cyclists.

Over the next few months the design of these SDCN sections will be reviewed and improved with a focus on safety and ease of use for all road users. Residents will be asked for feedback before the designs are confirmed.

Designs to improve the Portobello Road cycleway between Timaru Street and Portsmouth Drive have been prepared in consultation with the community, aiming for a highly practical road and cycleway layout, improved road markings and signs, complemented by a vastly improved general environment providing a family-friendly atmosphere. The design will take residents’ and business access needs into account. The Princes Street cycleway past the Oval, on to Gordon Street and Vogel Street, is planned for completion in October 2015. This will include signs and markings on Princes Street and changing give way priorities to Vogel Street at two intersections. Ongoing Tedder Street construction is due to be finished by the end of 2015, using speed bumps to slow traffic.

Mrs Stokes says the vision for Dunedin’s first urban cycleway is to have high quality, attractive routes which cater for people travelling to work and school by bike, and leisure cyclists, while reducing accident rates for all road users.

Contact General Manager Infrastructure and Networks, Dunedin City Council on 477 4000. DCC Link

ODT: Traffic islands to go soon
The scrapping of some of South Dunedin’s most unpopular cycleway traffic islands could begin as soon as next week as the Dunedin City Council responds to public feedback on the bungled network.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/353295/traffic-islands-go-soon

● WTF Ruthie-babe ???
“There would also be “a new urban design element” to new construction on the network, she said. That could include different types of paving, seating on appropriate corners, and planting in the separation areas.” (via ODT)

bikes-trucks [cyclingchristchurch.files.wordpress.com]Image: Fairfax Media (via Cycling in Christchurch)

Related Posts and Comments:
● 18.7.15 DCC Cycleways: SEEING RED, apology NOT accepted
● 10.4.15 DCC cycleways propaganda continues #SpendSpendSpend
20.3.15 DCC Shame: First, John Wilson Dr … now Portobello Rd cycleway
11.2.15 Dunedin Cycleways: Pet project staff, ‘entitlement’? #irony
3.12.14 Cycling at Dunedin —boring debate, network spending continues #DUD
22.5.14 DCC Transportation Planning —ANOTHER consultation disaster
6.5.14 Roading network screwed by council staff
● 14.2.14 DCC: Broadband AND bicycles #fraudband speed
14.1.14 DCC: Hospital area parking changes #cyclelanes
5.1.14 Norman Foster: SkyCycling utopia above London railways #ThinkBig
24.12.13 Daaave’s $47 million Christmas present to Jinty. We’re paying.
4.12.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten greeted by DCC silence
17.11.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten’s alternative route
17.11.13 Cull and MacTavish… “Have you fixed the debt crisis?”
14.11.13 Cycle lane explosions and puncture kits (SPOKES grenades launch)
8.11.13 Dunedin Separated Cycle Lane Proposal [how to make a submission]
29.10.13 DCC (EDU) invents new job! [GigatownDunedin]
19.10.13 Cycle lobby games and media tilts
24.9.13 Mediocrity and lack of critical awareness at DCC [council reports]
8.7.13 Bloody $tupid cycleways and Cull’s electioneering . . . [route maps]
28.3.13 DCC DAP 2013/14: Portobello Harington Point Road Improvements
26.2.13 DCC binge spending alert: Proposed South Dunedin cycle network
22.2.13 DCC: Council meeting agenda and reports for 25 February 2013
31.1.13 Who? 2010 electioneering
21.11.12 Safe cycling -Cr Fliss Butcher
5.11.12 DCC, NZTA: Cycle lanes controversy

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

109 Comments

Filed under Architecture, Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Economics, Geography, Hot air, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

DCC Cycleways: SEEING RED, apology NOT accepted

DCC Cycleways Incompetence 18.7.15 (4)

Laundry at ODT today:

Costly cycleway mistakes
Parts of South Dunedin’s cycle network will be ripped out and replaced, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, because of council mistakes.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/349513/costly-cycleway-mistakes

Vow to make good bungled cycleways
Council staff and management bungled the roll-out of South Dunedin’s cycle network, letting down the mayor, the councillors, and the city in the process.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/349453/vow-make-good-bungled-cycleways

Measures satisfy
How affected parties responded to the Dunedin City Council’s acceptance of responsibility for the SDCN faults, and its commitment to put things right.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/349472/measures-satisfy

Otago Daily Times Published on Jul 17, 2015
South Dunedin by bike

Behind the handlebars: South Dunedin by bike
What’s it like exploring the South Dunedin Cycle Network for the first time? Reporter Carla Green – a newcomer to the city – grabbed a map and hopped on her bike last week to find out.
http://www.odt.co.nz/video/news/dunedin/349443/carlas-cycleway-story

[screenshot as at 18.7.15 —click to enlarge]

Tony Avery LinkedIn profile as at 18.7.15 [screenshot]

●●● http://www.averyassociates.nz/

█ For more on Dunedin’s inordinately expensive Strategic Cycle Network, enter the term *cycle* in the search box at right. Or WTH, search *citifleet*.

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

41 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Design, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, OAG, Ombudsman, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Stadiums, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, Urban design, What stadium

DCC Shame: First, John Wilson Dr nonsense, now Portobello Rd cycleway

The agreement meant Portobello Rd, between Andersons Bay Rd and Portsmouth Dr, would remain a two-lane road, after the council last year reduced it from four lanes to accommodate a new cycleway.

### ODT Online Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Cycleway compromise earns praise
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council has earned praise from a group of businesses after compromising to resolve a cycleway dispute in Portobello Rd. But the council has also been urged to learn lessons after initial changes introduced on the road prompted an outcry in the area. The deal was confirmed yesterday after a closed-door meeting between councillors, council staff, business representatives and cycling advocates, chaired by the Automobile Association Otago district councillor Norman Oakley.
Read more

****

Comment at ODT Online:

Money wasting madness from DCC
Submitted by photonz on Thu, 19/03/2015 – 1:09pm.

$320,000 spent already for 700m of cycleway, that was already sealed, is madness. And now it has to be redone.
Just like the cycle crossing on Victoria Road that was rebuilt three or four times at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars, yet despite passing over it multiple times a day, including rush hour, I’ve seen it used by bicycles just once in nearly a year.
Similar money wastage is now happening with total redesigns of intersection kerbing around St Kilda, at the cost of many thousands of dollars, including intersections which are some of quietest and least used in all of Dunedin.
Yet not a dollar for the very busy intersection at Allendale/Forbury/Bay View Roads, where opposing right turning traffic on Forbury Road, is channelled into a head-on collision.
Heads should roll at the DCC – this is madness. It’s a waste of our money to spend hundreds of thousands on barely used or needed pet projects, often redoing them several times, while not spending a cent on dangerous intersections.

****

The letter from Cr Vandervis was delayed for publication supposedly due to slow reply: [Psalms 118.1….]

ODT 19.3.15 (page 16)
ODT 19.3.15 Letter to editor Vandervis reply Bidrose p16 (2)

****

### dunedintv.co.nz March 18, 2015 – 5:54pm
Opposing parties reach agreement over Portobello Road development
Parties at loggerheads over plans to develop the southern part of Portobello Road have reached an agreement. The Dunedin City Council and Automobile Association has met with cycling advocacy group Spokes and business owners about changes to the road. Representatives have come up with a mutually agreeable plan to widen the section of road between Timaru Street and Portsmouth Drive. It will provide room for large trucks to safely enter and exit industrial sites along the road. And there will be a 3m cycleway separated from traffic, allowing cyclists to travel in both directions along the road. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Ch39 Link [no video available]

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Positive Meeting on Portobello Road Plans

This item was published on 17 Mar 2015

A revised concept plan for the southernmost section of Portobello Road has been welcomed by key parties.
A meeting was held this morning between some Dunedin City Councillors, DCC staff and representatives from the Automobile Association (AA), cycling advocacy group Spokes Dunedin, local businesses and leaseholders. Those at the meeting, which was chaired by AA Otago District Councillor Norman Oakley, strongly supported the revised concept plan for the section of Portobello Road between Timaru Street and Portsmouth Drive. The proposed plan addresses concerns with the existing layout, by providing room for large trucks to safely enter and exit industrial sites along the road.
The revised concept plan increases the total road width to 10.1m, made up of a northbound and a southbound lane, with a 2.5m painted median strip between the lanes (such as in Hillside Road). A 3m wide, two way cycleway, separated from traffic, is still part of the plan. This concept means removing the current concrete median to make more room for the new lanes and the median strip. The intersections at either end of the road remain the same.
DCC Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Kate Wilson says, “I congratulate all the groups involved for working collaboratively to reach such a positive result. Once the revised plans have been finalised, we will be asking other interested parties and the wider community for feedback.” Cr Wilson noted the revised concept plan did not propose major changes for residents on that stretch of road, who can still access their properties as they do now.
AA Otago District Councillor Hudson Biggs says the revised plan is a workable solution for all parties. “There has been a lot of work in the background to get to this point and what has been presented recognises the fact there needs to be cycle access from South Dunedin along Portobello Road, while still meeting the needs of other road users.” Spokes Dunedin Chair Robert Thompson also supported the revised layout. “It strikes the right balance between all road users, providing a high standard cycleway and improved vehicle access within a more intuitive road layout.”

CSL Containers Director Philip Chapman says the new plan addresses his concerns very well. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

DCC Group Manager Transportation Gene Ollerenshaw says the proposed design will now be finalised and released within the next two to three weeks for wider feedback from the community. Further consultation will include a mail drop to nearby residents, discussions with other parties such as Bayfield High School and signs to alert motorists who use that route. Following that feedback, the design will be finalised and construction completed as soon as possible before the end of the year.

Portobello Rd cross section information[click to enlarge]

█ Download: Portobello Rd cross section information (PDF, 96 KB)

Contact Infrastructure Services Committee Chair on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link

****

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Further consultation on Portobello Road Changes

This item was published on 28 Nov 2014

The Dunedin City Council will work further with key parties to finalise a design for the southernmost section of Portobello Road.
DCC Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Kate Wilson says the decision was made following a constructive meeting on Wednesday attended by Councillors, DCC staff and representatives from the Automobile Association (AA), cycling advocacy group Spokes, local businesses and leaseholders.
The meeting, which was chaired by the AA, discussed the recent changes to the section of Portobello Road between Andersons Bay Road and Portsmouth Drive. Discussions began with some context setting. The use of that part of Portobello Road has changed greatly, as has the land ownership in the area. Rather than being a high volume commuter route, it is now a relatively low volume road used by heavy transport, with industrial land on one side and residential on the other.
The road has been altered to accommodate one of the key cycleways in the new South Dunedin Cycle Network. The first stage of work was completed in May. The concept was not fully implemented then because of funding constraints, but the intention was to do further work if it was required as funds became available.
Cr Wilson says a preliminary layout for the second stage was developed in consultation with AA, Spokes and residents and businesses in the area. “However, further feedback from businesses, leaseholders and the public, conclusions we have drawn ourselves, issues around the look and feel of the road, access to the industrial properties and safety concerns at the Timaru Street end mean some further consideration of options is needed.” “We take seriously the concerns raised and following this week’s meeting we will seek further inputs from the affected businesses and leaseholders so we incorporate their concerns and needs into the options.”
DCC Group Manager Transportation Gene Ollerenshaw says in the meantime some interim improvements would be investigated with urgency, such as signage and road marking, particularly at the Timaru Street end. The DCC is still aiming to complete the project in the 2014/15 year.

Contact Group Manager Transportation on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

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Dunedin Cycleways: Pet project staff, ‘entitlement’? #irony

“However, I can certainly confirm that it is not the practice of staff to pre-empt any decision-making by the council.” –Ruth Stokes, General Manager Infrastructure and Networks

### ODT Online Wed, 11 Feb 2015
Apology over council staff gaffe
By Vaughan Elder
A Dunedin City Council senior manager has apologised to councillors over a staff member appearing to pre-empt a council decision on cycleway funding. Concern over the actions of staff came up at yesterday’s infrastructure services committee, where councillors voted on the allocation of $570,000 in new Government money to spend on the South Dunedin cycle network. […] In the council press release, senior transportation planner Kylie Huard said the Government funding “will be used” to enhance and expand the South Dunedin cycle network, including providing a link between Shore St and Victoria Rd, via Tainui and Cavell Sts.
Read more

DCC Media Release (30 Jan 2015):
New Government Funding for Dunedin Cycleways

****

And another thing….

ODT (11.2.15) Board to pay for road closures
In the article Mick Reece is described as the “council parks, recreation and aquatic services group manager”. Group Manager.

█ Isn’t it time the Dunedin public received an up-to-date Dunedin City Council organisation chart showing reporting lines. To know exactly where those 40+ managers / team leaders (of a total council staff of about 700) are situated, at considerable cost to the ratepayers.

Message to DCC chief executive Sue Bidrose: “Time for fine detail.” And, “Due diligence to Democratic principles, to be learned by Staff.”

[Subtext: it wasn’t simply a typo]

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

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DCC: Chairman denies true and correct Council record

This post, by clear and unequivocal video reference, captures the undemocratic conduct of Council; and the consequent failure of Council to honour and uphold the true and correct minute record of business proceedings.

Dunedin City Council – Council Meeting – December 15 2014
Published on Dec 21, 2014

Minutes, agendas and reports related to this meeting can be found at http://goo.gl/3bDMak

██ See video segment 16:40 to 19:10

Note Mayor Dave Cull’s chairmanship of the Council meeting 15 December 2014 in regards to (Item 4.) Confirmation of Minutes for (4a) the ordinary Council meeting of 3 November 2014.

Cr Lee Vandervis rightly claims that the minutes for confirmation are not a correct record of the meeting on 3 November, given reference to a remark* wrongfully attributed to him by the Mayor; and which remark is claimed to have caused the Mayor’s ejection of Cr Vandervis from that meeting.

*[allegedly, about the intentions of Council and staff and the objectives of the cycling strategy]

Cr Vandervis states he did not make that remark. He says the minutes are false and the video of the meeting verifies this.

Mayor Cull replies “the minutes are not [false]” and tells Cr Vandervis: “OK you can vote against it” [confirmation of the minutes].

With that, the Council vote is taken. It should be strongly noted that all Councillors with the exception of Cr Vandervis voted to confirm the minutes with no amendment.

Cr Vandervis abstained from voting “on the basis the mayor asked me to withdraw a remark that I did not make”.

Dunedin City Council – Council Meeting – November 3 2014
Published on Nov 9, 2014

Minutes, agendas and reports related to this meeting can be found at http://goo.gl/aJnL3J

██ See video segment 41:00 – 50:26
Cr Vandervis enters discussion on (Item 20.) State Highway 1 Cycleway Working Party at 43:00; and following is his ejection by Mayor Cull.

Unconfirmed Minutes – Council – 15/12/2014 (PDF, 422.6 KB)

DCC Unconfirmed Minutes - Council - 15.12.14 ordinary meeting Item 4 [excerpt]

Minutes – Council – 03/11/2014 (PDF, 153.4 KB)

DCC Minutes - Council - 3.11.14 Item 20 [excerpt] 1

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

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Cr Wilson’s integrity ‘in tatters’

Kate Wilson [i.ytimg.com] 2

Katydid, any of numerous predominantly nocturnal insects related to crickets and grasshoppers and noted for their loud mating calls. As a group these insects are poor flyers. –Encyclopædia Britannica [aggrandising]

Supplied. ODT 4.8.14 (page 6)
ODT 4.8.14 Letters to the editor Prendergast Miller p6

From an earlier comment at another thread:

“Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson explains why change can be good and why she strongly supports cycleway developments.”
—[crowd guffaw] “In the past, I have been cynical about the “build it and they will come” claim for other projects, but the research and local statistics on cycleways show this to be true at a local level.” (ODT)

### ODT Online Tue, 22 Jul 2014
Opinion
Times change, and we must change with them
By Kate Wilson
I stood as a Dunedin city councillor to make change happen. I think when I was first elected people were concerned about a number of things. One was a lack of transparent processes. One was debt levels and addressing those – I failed to stop Forsyth Barr Stadium, but I think we have addressed, and continue to address, those debt levels in a prudent manner. The last issue was a lack of vision for the city and the need to stall the slow decline. While people want different outcomes, are they prepared for change?
[YES, GET OFF THE CITY COUNCIL]
Read more

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: i.ytimg.com – Kate Wilson

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DCC: Sorting THE MESS

DCC via Ch39 (2)

Is it now time for a commissioner to be appointed to govern Dunedin? Russell Garbutt asks the question. (ODT)

### ODT Online Fri, 1 Aug 2014
Opinion
Council failing to govern Dunedin
By Russell Garbutt
There are a number of factors that point to the drastic action of appointing a commissioner to govern Dunedin as being the only solution to contain a council unable or unwilling to govern a city in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act. Such factors include the financial position Dunedin residents find themselves in. While Dunedin’s rate of growth is static, the population is made up of a significant number of transitory students at the city’s tertiary institutions and a significant number of residents who are elderly and have limited incomes. And yet this same population has a level of debt per ratepayer second only in the country behind Auckland, which is growing in size and ability to pay off debt. Most of this debt is directly due to the decision to fund a new rugby stadium that a previous council decided to progress, despite the lack of private construction funding. The truth behind this project will be revealed only by a full forensic audit of all matters connected to the stadium, but this council seems unwilling to learn what happened and even more unwilling to be able to take any action that may flow from such an independent audit.
Read more

● Russell Garbutt, formerly from Dunedin, is a Clyde resident.

****

Cr Calvert “fired a shot at Cr Benson-Pope, claiming he had access to answers – as a committee chairman – in ways some other councillors might not enjoy”. (ODT)

### ODT Online Fri, 1 Aug 2014
278 official requests to council for information
By Chris Morris
Two of Dunedin’s city councillors are helping flood Dunedin City Council staff with official information requests, as a third councillor questions the cost of providing so many answers. Figures released to the Otago Daily Times yesterday showed the council has received 278 official information requests since July 1 last year, more than in previous years. The requests included 34 sent by the city’s elected members, most of which had come from Crs Hilary Calvert and Lee Vandervis, it was confirmed.
Read more

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: DCC YouTube screenshot reworked by whatifdunedin

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DCC: Residents’ Opinion Survey 2014

Remember last year’s DCC Comms spin on the ROS results?
Another farce this year, look at the Council’s headline.
[in case DCC won’t say it] “DEEP DISSATISFACTION WITH STADIUM BLOWOUTS AND THE CITY’S STALLED ECONOMY”

████ DCC: Public finance forum [invitation]
Tuesday 12 August 2014 at 5:30 – 7:30 pm | Venue to be confirmed

DCC mayor and councillors (2013-14) 1
Residents’ Opinion Surveys
These surveys measure residents’ satisfaction with the Council’s performance and with Council owned facilities. The output of the surveys enables the Council to assess the extent to which the Council has met its performance objectives.

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Residents’ Satisfaction Still on the Up

This item was published on 28 Jul 2014

Residents’ satisfaction with the Dunedin City Council’s performance continues to rise. Results of the 2014 Residents’ Opinion Survey, released today, show 58% of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with the DCC’s overall performance. This is the highest level recorded since the question was first asked in its current form in 2003. The survey also shows significant increases in satisfaction with customer service (Customer Services Agency up nine percentage points to 88%), communication (FYI newsletter up seven points to 77%), the suitability of the roading network for cyclists (up seven points to 29%) and retention of businesses and jobs (up six points to 22%).

Acting General Manager Services and Development Nicola Pinfold says, “These substantial jumps in satisfaction are fantastic and reflect the organisation’s hard work and commitment.” Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, “It’s great to see satisfaction with economic development and cycle facilities moving in the right direction. These are two key areas where the Council has been putting in a particular effort.”

Once again, satisfaction was highest with the Dunedin Botanic Garden, Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin Public Libraries and rubbish collection – with satisfaction scores of more than 90% in these areas. Decreases in satisfaction were noted with the Dunedin Ice Stadium (down 10 percentage points to 71%), stormwater services (down seven points to 59%), the look and feel of the South Dunedin retail area (down six points to 25%) and traffic flow at peak times (down six points to 47%).

Survey respondents identified encouraging economic development, reducing DCC spending, debt and rates, providing cycleways and improving the look and feel of the city as the top priorities for the DCC over the next 12 months. Mr Cull says, “The overall results are pleasing and show the DCC is increasingly responding to the needs of Dunedin residents. The information gathered through the survey will help the Council as we begin preparing our Long Term Plan for 2015-25.”

Of 4,500 residents randomly selected from the electoral roll and invited to complete the survey, 1,248 did so – a response rate of 27.7%. A further 705 residents independently chose to complete the survey online. The results of the ‘opt-in’ sample are analysed separately, but still provide the DCC with valuable feedback on how it can improve its services. The survey was carried out by independent research company Key Research of Tauranga. [We can’t possibly contract Dunedin companies because they might conduct honest research or sneak in survey questions DCC won’t approve for the results it doesn’t want, horror!]

www.dunedin.govt.nz/ros

Contact Mayor of Dunedin on 027 434 6917.

Related Posts and Comments:
27.6.13 State of the City —DCC or Dunedin? [2013 ROS here]
13.6.12 DCC: 2012 Residents’ Opinion Survey
25.4.11 Oh wait, you mean…. | 2011 Residents’ Opinion Survey
1.5.10 DCC: Residents’ Opinion Survey – complete it online
6.7.09 DCC 2009 Residents’ Opinion Survey

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

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Greater Dunedin: developing image

Received from Anonymous
Fri, 25 Jul 2014 at 4:40 p.m.

Monkeys GD

Message: “Clever” monkey Cull would have to be the one on the left smiling and staring blankly into space. At least the other monkeys know something is wrong! An apt Dunedin variation on “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”. Maybe a new logo for Greater Dunedin?
[ends]

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image supplied

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Eddie Cull suffering lead singer’s disease?

Received from Another Anonymous
Wed, 23 Jul 2014 at 8:05 p.m.

Gary Larson - The Far Side (undated cartoon) 2The Far Side (undated cartoon) by Gary Larson

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

█ Urban Dictionary: lead singer’s disease

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Whaleoil / Cameron Slater on ratepayers’ lament

whaleoil 18.7.14 - len brown cartoon by SonovaMin (1)

Cartoon of the Day (Len Brown by SonovaMin)
Posted by Cameron Slater on July 18, 2014 at 11:00am

Len Brown’s failures will cause Auckland headaches for decades
Posted by Cameron Slater on July 18, 2014 at 11:30am
A Local Authority like Auckland Council plans capital expenditure for urban projects – like the pretty CBD road and footpath improvements. The problem with infrastructure maintenance is that it is very expensive, and it occurs in the future. Competing against the pretty high profile projects it suffers because it takes second place. On the Audit NZ website is a document that records an audit of the performance of Local Government that is pertinent to this topic.
Read more

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

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DCC pedalling to…… #hell

Received from Jeff Dickie
Sat, 7 Jun 2014 at 3:41 pm

You could be forgiven for thinking Cull, Bidrose, the Finance Committee, and the majority of compliant councillors don’t have a vision for Dunedin’s future. That to believe that, not hearing bad news, smiling and riding a bike, will make the financial mire we are now in go away. That to continue to spend huge amounts on yet more foolish projects will somehow fix things. That to embrace a culture of no accountability will magically preclude the idiots who have cocked up so many DCC things in the recent past, doing EXACTLY the same thing again.

Just look at how many of the idiots who have foisted this debt and the numerous foolish failed projects are still on council. These people do have a vision, and here it is!

image

Hopefully the cycle trail will lead there.

Jeff Dickie
Woodhaugh

****

An opinion piece from 28.9.12, written by Calvin Oaten, continues to have currency.

The End of The Golden Weather?
Are we coming to the end of the ‘Golden Weather’? I say this, not in the meteorological sense, but rather in the sense that perhaps our society and its economic construct might be on the verge of a catastrophic change. Why? Well it seems that many signposts are pointing to an approaching collapse of the present model of the economy as constructed. This requires constant growth in order to sustain an ever increasing social budget.
Read more

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image supplied.

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DCC Transport Strategy and Riccarton Road

### ODT Online Tue, 3 Jun 2014
Opinion
Transport strategy must respect personal needs
By Phil Cole
Dunedin has its own unique geographic, demographic and historical features that make any transportation planning in the city reliant on forward-thinking, rather than academic theoretical practices. The historical past of Dunedin’s transportation, however, should only be ignored at its peril. It is vitally important for Dunedin’s direction that any long-term transport planning is determined not by short-term populist ideas but by long-term growth, based on economic conditions, city development and people’s habits. It is equally important council land-use planning is closely aligned to, but does not determine, how the city can be rejuvenated.
Read more

****

Riccarton Rd resident Brian Miller said the council was not trying to reach a fair and reasonable settlement and valuations were being forced on landowners.

### ODT Online Wed, 4 Jun 2014
Offers prepared for land
By Shawn McAvinue
The land needed to widen Riccarton Rd will be obtained by statutory authority if a mutual agreement can not be met, Dunedin City Council roading projects engineer Evan Matheson says. […] Some landowners were hesitant to make land available, he said.
Read more

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

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Roading network screwed by council staff

UNDEMOCRATIC—Council staff agendas are directing major changes to Dunedin’s road networks. Continued use of exclusive ‘workshops’ lacks transparency and accountability.

Cr Hilary Calvert asks ‘why councillors were not more involved in developing the strategic cases’. (ODT)

Cr Lee Vandervis says ‘the problems identified were based on ”absurd or probably false” assumptions’. (ODT)

STAFF ASSUMPTIONS
► There is too much parking in Dunedin
► Restricted parking will increase use of public transport
► Encouraging more people to cycle makes roads safer

  • ### ODT Online Tue, 6 May 2014
    Council notes roading strategic cases
    By Debbie Porteous
    The first step towards securing funding for major changes to Dunedin’s road networks has been taken by the Dunedin City Council, even though exactly what those changes will be is yet to be decided. Councillors yesterday noted council staff had taken the first of six steps in a new process for applying for funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
    Read more

    ****

    Strategic Case Development for Improvements to Dunedin’s Central City and Freight Network
    Report – ISC – 05/05/2014 (PDF, 993.6 KB)

    Excerpts from the report…

    Council staff have recently submitted two Strategic Case applications to the NZ Transport Agency; one for investment to improve the access, mobility and safety of the Central City; and the other to enhance Dunedin’s Freight Network. Pending approval from the NZTA, Council staff will begin the Programme Business Case stage, where investment options and alternatives will begin to be developed and defined. Staff will seek Councillor support and input prior to the submission of the Programme Business Case to the NZ Transport Agency, anticipated to be later this year.

    The NZ Transport Agency has recently adopted a Better Business Case approach to guide the planning and project development for investment applications. It is a principles-based approach that clearly links their investment goals to outcomes, and defines problems and their consequences thoroughly before solutions are considered. This approach ensures a shared view of problems and benefits early in the transport planning process. The business case approach encourages early engagement with stakeholders to confirm:
    ● fit with strategy and need to invest
    ● the way forward with short-listed options
    ● that the best value option is affordable and deliverable and that the risks are acceptable.

    To execute many of the projects outlined in Dunedin’s Integrated Transport Strategy requires funding from external sources. A significant source of transportation funding is potentially available from the NZ Transport Agency. As detailed above, Council must now apply for funding from the NZ Transport Agency through their Better Business Case approach. This stepped approach ensures that any solutions are in response to clearly defined problems, and are aligned to the NZ Transport Agency’s investment goals.

    Council staff held initial discussions with key stakeholders, the NZ Transport Agency and the Otago Regional Council to define the areas of focus for investment. The group agreed that the Council should focus on establishing two Strategic Cases: 1. Dunedin Central City: Access, Mobility and Safety; 2. Dunedin Freight Network. These areas strongly align with those set out in our Integrated Transport Strategy.

    The first step of establishing the Strategic Case is to develop an Investment Logic Map (ILM). The ILMs set out the key problems and the benefits of solving the problems. Two ILM workshops were hosted for each of the areas of focus. Participants included the key stakeholders (DCC staff, Council Committee Chairs – Cr Wilson, Cr Benson-Pope, Cr McTavish; NZ Transport Agency and the ORC) and relevant partner organisations (including Otago Chamber of Commerce, Public Health South, Port Otago Ltd, Kiwirail, and Heavy Haulage Association).

    [see ILMs for each Strategic Case at Attachment 1]

    Strategic Case – Executive Summary
    Staff from the Dunedin City Council (DCC), the NZ Transport Agency and Otago Regional Council (ORC), as well as the Public Health Service and the Otago Chamber of Commerce participated in two Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) workshops to identify the key access, mobility and safety problems in central Dunedin, and determine the benefits of investing in solutions that address these problems.

    This report sets out the strategic case for improving access, mobility and safety in central Dunedin. Part A provides the strategic context and fit of the proposed investment and the evidence to support the justification for investment. Part B describes how the three contributing organisations intend to develop the next stage of business planning – the programme business case. This section outlines the further planning needed to achieve the identified benefits.

    This application shows that that there are some key synergies between the strategies and objectives of the three key stakeholder organisations, where priorities for future investment align. Evidence supporting each of the key problems identified in the ILM workshops is outlined section 3.4, and reveals a strong case for change and need for investment.

    3.1 Defining the Problem
    Dunedin City Council convened a facilitated investment logic mapping workshop that was held on 10th February 2014, with key stakeholders to gain a better understanding of current issues and business needs. The stakeholder panel identified and agreed to the following key problems:

    Problem one: SH1, the railway and north/south arterial routes bisect areas of high pedestrian use resulting in dislocation and poor connectivity of key areas

    Problem two: The design, use and management of central city routes results in intermodal conflict

    Problem three: Management and provision of car parking is not integrated into the transport network, which favours car use, impacting adversely on the quality of life in the City

    Problem four: The design, management and lack of integration of public transport discourages use and leads to low patronage

    [see the Investment Logic Map at Appendix A]

    3.2 The Benefits of Investment
    The potential benefits of successfully investing to address these were identified as part of a second facilitated investment logic mapping held on 17th February, 2014. The stakeholder panel identified and agreed the following potential benefits for the proposal: (CONFIRM)

    ● Benefit one: Reduced severance
    ● Benefit two: Improved safety
    ● Benefit three: Central City is a ‘nice place to be’
    ● Benefit four: Greater resilience

    [see Benefit Map at Appendix B]

    Figure 1: High risk areas identified through risk mapping

    Figure 1 High risk areas identified through risk mappingA risk assessment process known as KiwiRAP maps the collective crash risk of roads based on the physical and operating characteristics of intersections and corridors, as well as crash history. The map shows that Dunedin’s high risk areas (shown in black and red) are predominantly located within the central city, as demonstrated in Figure 1.

    4 Strategic Context
    This section demonstrates how the investment proposal has clear linkages to existing strategies of each of the stakeholders. There are some key synergies between the three organisations, where priorities for future investment align. A summary of the strategies that support this investment proposal from each of the stakeholders is detailed below. The goals and/or objectives selected are those with direct relevance to this investment proposal.

    6.4 Scope
    The evidence to support the three problem statements developed during the Investment Logic Mapping workshops generally provides a strong case for change. It is also evident that many of the problems have existed for some time as many of the issues raised were recognised in the MWH 2003 Strategic Corridor Study and the 2006 Transport Strategy.

    7.1 Risk/Issues and Opportunities
    Key risks for this business case are likely to include:
    ● Alignment with Regional Land Transport Plan and Council’s Long Term Plan Timeframes
    ● Ability for Council to raise funding co-contribution
    ● Support for the projects from Councillors
    ● Support for the projects from the community
    ● Further deaths and serious injuries from crashes should the project not proceed
    Appropriate risk management strategies for these key risks will be identified at the Programme Business Case stage. As the busine ss case evolves and projects are defined it is likely that other risks are likely to be identified and these will be added to the risk register.

    Read full report here.

    ****

    Dunedin City Integrated Transport Strategy 2013
    Developing, maintaining and operating any transport system requires investment, and investment requires decision-making about what to invest in, how much to invest and when that investment should be made. Such decisions need to be informed by an understanding of the key issues and opportunities to be addressed, a clear vision of what is to be achieved, and a clear set of priorities that will move toward that vision. In times of financial constraint when funding is tight the need to clearly identify the right priorities becomes even more important. The DCC have adopted a Financial Strategy which aims to help steer a course between the competing tensions of affordability, keeping up and investing for the future. This Financial Strategy states the limits to rates and borrowing that the Council has set, and any investment in transportation infrastructure must be managed with regard to the Financial Strategy.

    Dunedin City Integrated Transport Strategy 2013 [links]
    Pre-election Report 2.8.13 [links]
    Financial Strategy

    Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

    32 Comments

    Filed under Business, COC (Otago), Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Economics, Geography, Hot air, Media, Name, NZTA, ORC, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Tourism, Town planning, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

    Dear DCC: Dunedin’s [choke] $47M cycle network

    Received from Lee Vandervis
    Thursday, 18 July 2013 7:16 a.m.

    —— Forwarded Message
    From: Lee Vandervis
    Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 07:09:10 +1200
    To: Dave Cull, Mayor Cull, Kate Wilson, Colin Weatherall, Richard Thomson, Chris Staynes, Teresa Stevenson, Andrew Noone, Paul Hudson, Jinty MacTavish, Neil Collins, Fliss Butcher, Syd Brown, John Bezett, Bill Acklin, Lee Vandervis
    Cc: Paul Orders, Sue Bidrose, Sandy Graham
    Conversation: An inspiration for Cycling in Dunedin
    Subject: Re: An inspiration for Cycling in Dunedin

    Dear Councillors

    This video link below to the Indianapolis new Cultural Cycle Trail has been sent to us by Mayor Cull as “an inspiration for Cycling In Dunedin”.

    The salient points if you do not have 8 minutes to watch the whole video are:

    1 – NO RATES OR TAX MONEY WAS USED TO PAY FOR IT! The whole US$63MILLION for the Indianapolis cultural trail was DONATED by philanthropy. [Like Eion Edgar’s $1 million donation to the stadium, but more so. – It actually happened, and 63 times.]

    2 – It looks great with the ADDITION OF US$2MILLION of donated Art.

    3 – From Wikipedia, – “Indianapolis’ population is 829,718. It is the 13th largest city in the United States, and one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States.”

    4 – It is catering to only a few of their 800,000+, entirely financed by a much fewer hyper-rich philanthropists.

    What does the Indianapolis Cycle Trail have in common with Dunedin’s proposed $47 million cycle network that our Mayor is getting all inspired about??

    In short, nothing.
    Absolutely nothing – a far removed and totally rich American dream.

    Please do not be inspired to spend us even further into $600,000,000+ plus interest worth of debt for this ‘inspiration’.
    The time to stop digging into more ratepayer debt was at least 3 years ago.

    Cheers
    Lee

    —————

    On 17/07/13 10:25 AM, “Dave Cull” wrote:

    FYI
    Spokes, and Hank and Robert in particular have been working very constructively with staff on the network plan. A great example of partnering up with the community. We are doing the same with the business people around Robert St to work out a win-win there too.

    Dave

    —————

    From: Hank Weiss
    Sent: Tuesday, 16 July 2013 4:58 p.m.
    To: Dave Cull
    Cc: Jinty MacTavish; Teresa Stevenson; Richard Thomson; Kate Wilson; Andrew Noone; Fliss Butcher
    Subject: An inspiration for Cycling in Dunedin

    Dave:

    Here’s an 8 minute video, I hope you will consider sharing it with the rest of the Council. http://www.streetfilms.org/the-indianapolis-cultural-trail/

    It’s a great idea and implementation success story from an unexpected U.S. City – Indianapolis. They turned the vision of an urban cycle track into a unique cultural celebration.

    The best line: “We didn’t talk about this as an infrastructure project, we talked about it as a quality of life and an economic development project” (Brian Payne).

    As you know very well, it’s not about catering to a few. With stories like this we might just swing and inspire all the Councillors along (well almost all)!

    Thanks for being an inspiration yourself today, Dave. I am proud of the leadership on display from you and your colleagues.


    Cordially,

    Hank Weiss

    —— End of Forwarded Message

    Related Posts and Comments:
    8.7.13 Bloody $tupid cycleways and Cull’s electioneering . . .
    28.3.13 DCC DAP 2013/14: Portobello Harington Point Road Improvements
    26.2.13 DCC binge spending alert: Proposed South Dunedin cycle network
    22.2.13 DCC: Council meeting agenda and reports for 25 February 2013
    31.1.13 Who? 2010 electioneering

    Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

    3 Comments

    Filed under Business, Construction, DCC, Design, Economics, Geography, Hot air, Name, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

    Bloody $tupid cycleways and Cull’s electioneering . . .

    Dunedin cycling, detail [odt.co.nz]

    ### ODT Online Thu, 4 Jul 2013
    DCC propose to close Roberts Street
    By Carolyn McLean
    OPINION Once again the DCC is bulldozing over strong public opinion to push through a proposal, which will only benefit a minority of people.
    DCC are proposing to close Roberts Street at the foot of the overbridge on Wharf Street to allow a cycle track to be installed and improve safety in the area.

    This proposal will have an extremely adverse affect on all businesses in this area and it appears that the needs of business owners are being sacrificed to the needs of cyclists.

    At present there is a perfectly adequate cycle track, which follows the harbourside and avoids the Portsmouth Drive/Wharf Street traffic, but DCC thinks that an alternative route for cyclists should be a reality and seem prepared to ignore the opinions of affected businesses to pursue their goal. At least two meetings have now been held between DCC representatives and local business owners but still the DCC seem hell-bent on pursuing their objective of more cycle lanes with no consideration of how it affects anyone else. Dunedin city is already in the doldrums with businesses struggling in the wake of the world-wide recession and flow on affects from that. DCC should be encouraging local businesses instead of putting more obstacles in their way. This proposal needs to be stopped.
    ODT Link

    Dunedin Cycling Routes [see map]
    Proposed Cycle Network [see maps and related information at this link]

    Strategic Cycle Network Overview (detail) 1

    Related Posts and Comments:
    28.3.13 DCC DAP 2013/14: Portobello Harington Point Road Improvements
    26.2.13 DCC binge spending alert: Proposed South Dunedin cycle network
    22.2.13 DCC: Council meeting agenda and reports for 25 February 2013
    31.1.13 Who? 2010 electioneering

    Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

    *Images: odt.co.nz – Dunedin cycling (detail); dunedin.govt.nz – Strategic Cycle Network Overview (detail)

    28 Comments

    Filed under Business, Construction, DCC, Design, Economics, Geography, Media, Name, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Tourism, Town planning, Urban design, What stadium

    DCC: Council meeting agenda and reports for 25 February 2013

    Includes DCC Draft Annual Plan 2013/14

    Agenda – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 76.1 KB)

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 105.7 KB)
    Statement of Proposal for the 2013/14 Draft Annual Plan

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 3.8 MB)
    Statement of Proposal for the 2013/14 Draft Annual Plan – Attachment

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 1.5 MB)
    South Dunedin Cycle Network

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 1.7 MB)
    Tourism Dunedin 2012-2013 Half Yearly Report

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 750.9 KB)
    Tourism Dunedin Statement of Intent 2012-2015

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 3.0 MB)
    Statements of Intent of Group Companies

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 3.5 MB)
    Resource Management Act Reform Bill Submission

    Report – Council – 25/02/2013 (PDF, 76.0 KB)
    Recording of Meetings – Proposed Change to Standing Order 3.3.7

    Resolution to Exclude the Public
    To be moved: “That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely, Items 18 -19.

    [As relates to the previous and current meeting rounds, Property Matters and FIFA under-20 World Cup 2015.]

    Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

    16 Comments

    Filed under Business, DCC, DCHL, DVL, DVML, Economics, Events, Other, Politics, Project management, Property, Sport, Stadiums, Town planning, Urban design