Boost for Bay of Plenty regional projects

Forestry, aquaculture, energy and supply chain industries in the Bay of Plenty region received a $390,000 boost this week from central government to carry out a range of projects.

Through the Bay of Connections Regional Governance Group, chaired by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman John Cronin, the funds will add to the $360,000 grant received in 2008 from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, taking the total to $750,000.

Mr Cronin said the region received the new funds because the economic development agencies and Bay of Plenty Regional Council had delivered good results, and NZTE believed that the projects proposed for the next 12 to 18 months would add real value.

“Over the long term, these projects will not just contribute to the local economy, but will be significant at a national level. We could have the largest aquaculture farm in New Zealand, we could be one of the country’s largest energy producers and exporters, and be a world class producer of high value forestry products.”

The projects were agreed on by the Regional Governance Group and the economic development agencies. They cover:

• Aquaculture – to establish a Regional Aquaculture Organisation and operating procedures, develop a region-wide profile of the emerging aquaculture industry, future infrastructure needs and industry directory, develop a preliminary business case for the Opotiki Harbour development and a communications plan.
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• Energy – to establish an Energy Advisory Group and to complete the Strategy and Action Plan, hold a regional energy forum.
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• Forestry and Wood Processing – to develop a Strategy and Action Plan and work with land and forestry owners to get additional value from forestry.
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• Supply Chain and Logistics – to investigate regional logistics and supply chain to ensure a world-class, cost effective, efficient freight movement system to, from and around the Bay of Plenty.
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• Review Bay of Connections and update the Action Plan, carrying out an in-depth analysis into a number of sectors.
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Advisory groups for these projects will be established, with have strong commercial representation.

ENDS

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