Media Statement

Work on Phase Two of Cycleway Project well underway

Monday 11 August 2009 – For immediate release

The Ministry of Tourism announced today that work on the funding process for Phase Two of the New Zealand Cycleway Project is well underway.

General Manager, Ray Salter, says the funding process will include an eligibility and assessment criteria and the decision making process.

He says there will be three stages to the Phase Two funding process with applicants to the New Zealand Cycleway Fund being assessed at each stage before moving to the next:
• Stage One: Concept Proposal,
• Stage Two: Feasibility Report and
• Stage Three: Full Business Case.

“We’ll be announcing the funding process at the end of September,” says Mr Salter. “A format will be provided so I’m asking people not to send us any further proposals just yet.

“Also, later this month we’ll be making available market research findings into the types of experiences that potential users of the track are seeking. I expect that the findings of this research will provide the basis for assessing the Phase Two cycleway Concept Proposals.”

Following the September announcement of the funding process, Ministry of Tourism officials will visit regions to ensure that the funding process is understood, and provide any necessary assistance.

Mr Salter says the Ministry will be looking for proposals to reflect a strong regional partnership approach to the development of cycleway projects.

“A partnership could comprise, for example, several local government authorities, Trusts, iwi organisations, private investors and regional tourism organisations.

“Any group or person keen to make a contribution to the cycleway project should get in touch with their local authority as decisions about access and usability are likely to be made at the local level.”

Following assessment of the Concept Proposals, feasibility studies for the next set of potential cycleway tracks will begin around February next year. Depending on the results of the feasibility studies, some proposals may then develop a full business case to determine its economic viability.

Projects that are funded will be announced from the middle of next year in time for construction to begin by summer 2010. It will be up to the successful regions to award the construction contracts to the tracks.

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