Road Transport Assn Conference

Saturday 14 September

Good morning. I am delighted to welcome members of the road transport association to Christchurch. I hope those of you who are from out of town will be able to take some time to enjoy the city. Christchurch always looks its best in spring.

The "Heat is On" is a very fitting slogan for your conference. Climate change is bringing about an enormous shift in how we do things, and the transport industry is facing colossal challenges in trying to find new efficiencies in the use of fuel and meeting the requirements of increasing government legislation.

At Christchurch City Council we are leading by example. We have made a 30% reduction in energy consumption over 10 years. This has been achieved through capital sustainable energy projects, new municipal buildings designed as state-of-the-art energy efficient buildings. Our major swimming complexes are heated using ground-source heat pumps (no fossil fuels). QEII Leisure Centre is being heated by using gas from the Burwood Landfill.  And we have improved insulation at 1600 Council's flats.

I'm always saying that as a city we need to plan for when oil is selling for $100 a barrel. My vision is to have 30,000 people living in the central city, enabling them to walk to work. This would cut down on emissions, gas consumption and keep our people fitter.

To encourage more people to take the bus we have built a bus exchange, with electronic screens telling commuters when buses are due. This has been a huge success, so much so that we need a bigger building.

My feelings for the future are very positive. I know that people in the transport industry are practical, can do, sort of people. I wish you well in your quest to find greater efficiencies for transport.

I am pleased to officially declare the Road Transport Association The Heat is On Conference officially open.

ENDS