The committee met to discuss:
1. Heavy traffic use of Marsden Point Road.
2. SH15A Round-about.
3. 4G Wireless Internet.
4. NRC 30 year Transport Strategy.

In attendance were:
Vaughan Cooper (NRC),
Cllr Phil Halse, Cllr Shelley Deeming and Jeff Devine (WDC)
Harpul Mann (Clear Mobitel)

Discussion on Heavy traffic on Marsden Point Rd centred around the best option to stop heavy traffic using this access to the Port and related heavy industry.
Suggested Options:

a) A bylaw – Can only be enforced by police who won’t enforce it;
b) Change the speed limit to 50km/h. Jeff Devine said this had to meet a warrant, in other words look like a 50km/h zone. His opinion was that it did not;
c) Use of Signage;
d) Written notice to Trucking Companies involved.

After lengthy discussion it was decided that the best option at present was to improve signage and approach trucking companies for their co-operation. WDC to facilitate with assistance from REDG.

Discussion on SH15A Roundabout
REDG questioned the requirement for this when grade separation was in the long term strategy. This may be 20 years away. Developers had already fronted with the finance. It was decided to wait and meet with NZTA on 30th November.
A presentation was given by Harpul Mann from Clear Mobitel on the benefits of 4G LTE, definitely the internet of the future.

Discussion with Vaughan Cooper on NRC's 30 year transport study
This used to be 3yrs, and will now run alongside the WDC plan. Roading from Wellsford to Whangarei is part of a study that is being incorporated with the Puhoi to Wellsford study and is looking at bypassing the Brynderwyns to the west.
Rail is an issue that will be consulted on by Kiwirail in 2011
.
Infrastructure Meeting held 30th November with NZTA
Discussion on SH15A Roundabout, main points:
1. Developers have already paid for a Roundabout.
2. No grade separation until traffic volumes reach the required level, and is not on NZTA's plans for anytime soon. Likely 20 years plus and subject to development.
3. The only option being to accept roundabout or basically get nothing.
4. Intersection is dangerous and needs something.
5. Reverse sensitivity is an issue with Major Industry.
6. Still no guarantee that it will actually happen but will go on the short list.
This meeting was followed in early December with a general meeting of REDG where it was agreed to support the roundabout option, rather than get nothing in the foreseeable future.

Port Marsden Service Centre
Presentations have been made to REDG over the last year and as consent applications have been lodged and a submission process undertaken. REDG has given its support to this project.
It is felt that this centre would provide huge benefits to not only Ruakaka, but to Northland as a whole. Some of these benefits are:
1. A long needed service centre at what has become the gateway to Northland with the SH1 Roundabout making it easily accessible to both north and southbound traffic.
2. Incorporating an information centre which not only provides an opportunity to showcase Ruakaka, but the whole of Northland with a gateway introduction.
3. Provides accommodation and other facilities which is becoming an issue as Northland becomes an ever increasing destination.
4. Employment opportunities for local people.

Signage
On a finishing note, it is great to see the visitors especially camper vans following the Tourist Route around Ruakaka. Until member Stuart Neal put up Tourist Arrow Shields on existing road signs.
With the permission of Council and the financial support of his own business, One Tree Point Motel, the Refinery and Hopper Developments, there were unfortunately no arrows to follow. Many thanks Stuart.

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