Seven “shovel ready” projects up for funding

Seven local infrastructure projects, such as the Lakefront redevelopment, have been nominated for Government funding.

Rotorua's council has put forward seven "shovel ready" projects for consideration by the Crown to help stimulate the district's post-Covid-19 economic recovery.

Long-term plan projects may be able to be brought forward to provide economic stimulus for Rotorua if Government funding applications for works are successful.

To support economic recovery the Government has called for projects able to be started within six to 12 months to be submitted to Crown Infrastructure Partners Limited (CIP) for consideration.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick says it reflects the need to invest to provide stimulus as part of post-Covid-19 economic recovery.

'Bringing projects forward, where that is prudent and feasible, is part of the Rotorua Build Back Better economic recovery strategy that council approved in response to Covid-19," says Steve.

"Each project submitted by Rotorua Lakes Council would provide stimulus by providing work and jobs. Our local economy has been devastated and there are many strands to the recovery plan, including bringing businesses from all sectors together to develop strategies. That work is underway.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick says the projects would stimulate the local economy.

"Government's call for "shovel-ready" projects provides an additional opportunity alongside the other work that will need to happen to help our economy recover.”

Rotorua Lakes Council has submitted seven projects – wastewater projects, Aquatic Centre redevelopments, roading and stormwater infrastructure projects to enable urban land development, already planned airport business park developments and added value aspects of the lakefront and forest developments, both already underway.

'The lakefront and forest redevelopments have already received Government funding but Covid-19 has put at risk anticipated private sector investment, and therefore economic benefits like jobs related to these, so further Government funding would enable us to still realise those benefits,” Steve says.

Council has also co-submitted, with Te Puni Kokiri, to add to work already committed for Kaingaroa Village to improve housing, infrastructure and community facilities.

She says there are further Rotorua projects submitted by Government agencies like NZTA so our district is well represented in submissions put forward.

'We've had to move fast on this but our submission reflects existing plans and partnerships with Te Arawa iwi and government agencies, and supports transformational change for our district and economy.

'Projects we've submitted total $210 million. Submitting doesn't mean we'll get all the funding of course, but we have been careful to ensure our projects meet the criteria and align with our Build Back Better economic recovery strategy to give Rotorua the best possible chance.”

Rotorua Lakes Council split its CIP submissions into two broad categories:

Infrastructure to support housing and the development of new businesses /sectors:

  1. Infrastructure to enable urban land development - State Highway 30 (Te Ngae Rd) roading upgrades, stormwater infrastructure development and Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands capability investment.
  2. Rotorua wastewater treatment plant upgrade – significant upgrades and increased capacity for Rotorua city and lake water quality.
  3. Airport business park development - Land development investment to support planned airport/aeronautical business development.
  4. Rotoehu/Ngamotu reticulation - lake water quality improvements and reducing the financial impact on local ratepayers

Leveraging existing tourism investment to create greater value and strengthen domestic visitation:

  1. Rotorua Aquatic Centre redevelopment - geothermally heated regional quality facility
  2. Whakarewarewa forest & trail development – forest hub development on Tarawera Road including core buildings, tree planting and track developments.
  3. Rotorua Lakefront - Development of new jetties for commercial operators and new building.

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