Outcome Two: Transport
Tūnuku
Our transport system is low-emission and better connected | He tukuwaro-iti tō mātou pūnaha waka, he pai ake hoki te honoka
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Key
2022-2025Year of deliveryAdaptationMitigationBiodiversity and sequestrationOur transport network is low-emission2.1
Collaborate with Otago Regional Council and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency to plan and implement a local public transport system that is frequent, affordable, and meets the needs of local communities, comprising:
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025> Bus Patronage: The Queenstown Public Transport(PT) network continues to see high growth with bus patronage increasing by 51% in 2023/24 compared to 2022/23. This increase has continued into Q1 2024/25 with over 495,994 trips, representing an increase of 9% from Q1 2023/24. Conversely patronage of the water ferry service decreased by 29% from 2022/23.
> Network Upgrades: Continued investments to support this growth are planned through the NZ Upgrade Programme, which includes a range of bus priority measures, as well as in the Otago-Southland Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP), which is currently undergoing a mid-term review.
> Bus Upgrades: ORC plans to complete electrification of bus fleets in Dunedin and Queenstown by 2030, occurring in phases as new contracts are signed with bus operators.
> Offline Solutions: Investigations are underway into offline transport solutions (e.g gondolas) that could offer a potential pathway for future mass rapid transport services.
> Travel Demand Management (TDM): A QLDC business case for investments in TDM has been approved and various workstreams are in progress to investigate impact opportunities for supporting mode shift away from single occupancy vehicles. This includes an audit of potential TDM policy interventions, exploration of congestion charging options, and service agreements with local organisations to promote active travel.
2022-20252.1a
Advocate for increased public transport frequency, coverage, and facilities in Whakatipu as part of Otago Regional Council’s Public Transport Business Case (2022).
COMPLETE2.1b
Require only zero-emissions public transport buses to be purchased by 2025 (National ERP7 action 10.3.2).
2022-20252.1c
Promote public transport in QLDC master planning and business cases, including the Wānaka Network Optimisation Business Case (2022-23).
2023-20242.1d
Work with Waka Kotahi and Otago Regional Council to improve public transport infrastructure and services in the Whakatipu. This includes adding and upgrading bus shelters, improving Frankton transport hub, upgrading lighting and cycle facilities, and improving bus frequency and accessibility (2021-2027).
2024-20252.1e
Support local organisations to run public transport trials in the Upper Clutha (2022 – 2027).
COMPLETE2.1f
Identify and advocate for public transport connections within our wider region (2024 – 2027).
2022-20252.2
Increase investment in active travel networks and infrastructure, including improved access to public transport hubs, schools, and other popular destinations across the district.
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025Arrowtown to Arthur's Point Wharehuanui Trail (QLDC enabled), Wānaka Schools to Pool, and Arthur's Point to Gorge Rd active travel routes completed. Funding from Transport Choices (CEFF) ongoing to install final bits of infrastructure along S2P and AP to Gorge Rd routes including water stations, maintenance stands and bike racks.
2022-20252.3
Provide accessible cycle and secure cycle and micro-mobility parking in town centres.
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025Bike and micro-mobility parking in town centres will be captured in the area specific Parking Management Plans which will follow on from the Parking Strategy and Parking Guidelines.
2022-20252.4
Identify, prioritise, and improve road crossings for pedestrians, particularly in areas of high exposure to traffic, long waits at signals or significant distances between controlled crossing points.
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025Two upgraded crossing on Aubrey Road near Anderson Road and several crossings along Anderson Road are now completed. Significantly improving pedestrian connectivity in these corridors. The upgrade of Anderson Road/Aubrey Road mini-roundabout is finished and there is significantly less traffic congestion experienced on the south leg of the roundabout which would consistently see traffic built up in the PM peak. Ballantyne Road / Riverbank Road compact roundabout is complete and see improved pedestrian connectivity to Waste Busters and reduced traffic congestion from Riverbank Road approaches. QLDC have submitted their Low Cost/Low Risk programme to seek funding from NZTA – there are several projects on the list to improve road crossings for pedestrians, installing new crossing points and reducing traffic congestion by signalising intersections.
2022-20252.5
Develop a plan to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the district. Incentivise electric vehicle uptake (e.g. dedicated parking) through the District-wide Parking Strategy and Comprehensive Management Plans.
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025> Ongoing plans are being undertaken for a district wide roll-out in talk with providers. QLDC are also upgrading their internal EV infrastructure and undergoing a fleet strategy review to form a direction of our fleet expansion and utilisation.
> The Parking Strategy and Guidelines outlines the need for providing EC charging infrastructure, however the expectation is the market will respond to meeting the growing demand for EV charging.2022-20252.6
QLDC expects the Queenstown Airport Corporation to action the following as defined by QAC Statement of Intent:
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025Update Statement from QAC:
> QAC has developed an emissions reduction plan with a 2030 target set in accordance with the UNEP recommendations to reduce absolute emissions by 7.6% annually, aligned with a 1.5˚C climate warming pathway.> QAC has begun implementing the emission reduction plan, launching a vast number of different initiatives.
> QAC is an active member of NZ Airports Association (NZAA) and the company's CEO sits on its board of directors. The airport is also represented on the NZAA sustainability working group which is the key collective conduit to government on issues relating to sustainability and aviation emissions. QAC also actively engages with central government on proposed policy changes as they affect the future of aviation and clean energy deployment, having recently submitted on the proposed changes to the National Policy Statements on Renewable Energy Generation and Electricity Transmission.
> Enabling the decarbonisation of aviation is a key feature of QAC planning. Similar to above, QAC is actively working with airline customers to explore decarbonisation opportunities. See their Emissions Roadmap for further detail.
> QAC have now reduced operational Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 71% since their baselines year.
> QAC have recently achieved ACA Level 4+. ACA is an independent programme administered by the Airports Council International (ACI). The programme focuses on reducing airport carbon emissions through 7 levels of certification
> Have a read of their latest Sustainability Strategy https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/sustainability-strategy
COMPLETE2.6a
Develop an emissions reduction plan to reduce its organisational greenhouse gas emissions in line with a 1.5°C science-based target (2022-23).
COMPLETE2.6b
Implement the emissions reduction plan and report on progress annually.
2023-20252.6c
Advocate to government for sustainable aviation emissions reduction strategies.
2022-20252.6d
Work collaboratively with the aero industry and airlines to maximise the opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint associated with flying into and out of the district.
2022-2025We work together to change the way we travel2.7
Reduce car use and encourage uptake of other transport options through the ‘Traffic Demand Management’ initiative. This will include:
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025> Travel Demand Management business case completed, however funding for implementation was reallocated away from the project. The first tranche of delivery is the TDM Policy Review which has been completed and awaiting sign off.
Further behaviour change initiatives utilising alternate funding sources such as Transport Choices are underway with activations on the Arthurs Pt to Gorge Rd and Schools to Pools routes.> Development of Parking Management Plan will commence once Parking Strategy and Parking Guidelines are finalised.
> Car-pooling scheme will be reviewed through the area Parking Management Plans
2022-20252.7a
Behaviour change initiatives.
2022-20252.7b
Comprehensive Parking Management Plans.
2022-20252.7c
Promoting cycle and micro-mobility parking.
2022-20252.7d
Review of the car-pooling scheme, including providing priority parking and priority lanes.
2022-20252.8
Partner with local organisations to promote active travel and public transport.
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025This action recognises that local not-for-profit organisations are uniquely positioned to deliver services related to community behavior change because they have well established connections, a deep understanding of local needs, and high level of trust within the community.
A strategic partnership has been established between QLDC and Lightfoot Initiative to support the delivery of a range of TDM actions. These include the deployment of the Activ8 workplace travel planning programs and the annual school travel planning programs. This also involves key activation events such as the Aotearoa Bike Challenge, Matariki, and Biketober, which are designed to increase participation and confidence in cycling. The program will provide quantifiable data on transport-related carbon emissions through start and end point reporting for each business.
Both Wao and Lightfoot are delivering initiatives through Transport Choices funding.
2022-20252.8a
Implement active transport plans around schools (National ERP8 action 10.12E).
2023-20252.8b
Support local organisations, businesses, and communities to develop their own low emission travel plans.
2022-20252.9
Partner with businesses to deliver active travel and shared transport solutions and innovations, such as community bike or car-share schemes.
UPDATEUpdate
27 February 2025Council entered into MOU with BEAM. Trail ongoing with no issues so far but due to finish end of April. Future of micro-mobility in the District to be confirmed.
Outcomes from Travel Demand Management business case to provide likely innovations and shared transport solutions i.e. carpooling app.2023-20252.10
Partner with the Government to deliver a light vehicle usage reduction programme in Queenstown (contingent on Central Government funding of National ERP action 10.1.2A).
UPDATEUpdate
4 March 2025This action is on-hold until further direction has been received about the new Government's commitment to the Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) reduction targets.
2024-2025 -
More Outcomes
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1. Leadership
QLDC demonstrates ambitious climate leadership
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3. Built
Our built environment is low-emission and resilient
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4. Communities
Our communities are low-emission and resilient
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5. Business
Low-emission businesses thrive
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6. Environment
A flourishing natural environment
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