Friday, 23 August 2013

Regional Council’s backing of business ventures wins praise

The four big projects that have won the backing of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council are just the sort of developments wanted for New Zealand’s regions, the Employers and Manufacturers Association says.

“The Council is to be warmly congratulated for backing the four projects,” said Kim Campbell, EMA’s chief executive.

“The four projects all present exciting opportunities for jobs and business growth.

“Its these sort of ventures that will reverse the decline in rural New Zealand and provide valuable jobs and skills training in high quality, export facing industries,” Mr Campbell said.

The projects are:

1. Up to $15 million for the development of (Waikato) university and polytechnic campus in Tauranga’s city centre. The campus costing $67.3 million in total is projected to generate $133 million in regional revenue and provide over 600 new jobs.

2. Up to $5 million for haul out infrastructure to catalyse the development of Harbour Central Marine Precinct at Sulphur Point in Tauranga. An economic impact study commissioned by Tauranga City Council has forecast nearly 200 new jobs and nearly $50 million in revenue would result.

3. Funding of up to $18 million for developing Opotiki Harbour to allow access for vessels to enable the growth of a viable aquaculture industry. This is to create an entrance at Opotiki Harbour able to be navigated in most conditions. The project, in conjunction with the Eastern Sea Farms marine farm and processing plant, is expected to create around 236 jobs and add $33.5 million in GDP to the region.

4. Funding up to $2.5 million for a new innovation centre at Rotorua’s Scion Innovation Park, to act as a hub for research and development firms in the forestry and wood sectors.

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