Council bids for Government funding to help kick start economy

Steph Rangi Reporter from Taupō Times

In an effort to kick start the economy post COVID-19, one council has put in an application for over $300 million.

Taupō District Council made an application for $316 million of Government funding for 16 projects that have been previously identified in the council’s Long-Term Plan.

With the 16 projects comes an estimated employment benefit of almost 2300 jobs.

The Government announced two weeks ago it was looking to invest in construction and infrastructure projects considered ‘shovel ready’.

The council’s applications include ensuring safe drinking water by bringing forward upgrades required to ensure we can provide water that meets the Government’s Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand.

A social and community housing project that would bring forward a significant greenfield residential subdivision, with the intention of bu

• Funding for a community, service and emergency centre for the Taupō District, which will include the council’s administration building.

• A social and community housing project that would bring forward a significant greenfield residential subdivision, with the intention of building affordable housing.

• An events and cultural centre for Turangi to address youth issues and deliver a range of social and health benefits.

• District wide recreational improvements including the development of sporting facilities at Mangakino and in Turangi.

Mayor David Trewavas said there was no doubt the Taupō Disrict economy had been severely impacted by COVID-19.

“It is our job to now look for ways we can help our economy recover in the quickest way possible,” he said.

“A number of these projects will no longer be going ahead without Government funding so this was our opportunity to move our district forward without have a financial impact on our ratepaying community.”