Interest shown in second round of infrastructure fund

SEVERAL Otago district councils are considering applying for government funding to improve their public toilets.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced yesterday applications were open for the second round of the tourism infrastructure fund, and $10.7 million would be available to cofund with council the development of tourism infrastructure such as toilets, car parks and freedom camping facilities.

‘‘The fund supports communities facing pressure from tourism growth and in need of assistance — areas with high visitor numbers but small ratepayer bases, for example,’’ Mr Davis said.

‘‘The second round will see a continued focus on communities in immediate need.’’

Queenstown Lakes District Council spokeswoman Rebecca Pitts said the council would be applying to the fund to upgrade public toilets in priority areas.

The Waitaki District Council was likely to follow suit.

Recreation manager Erik van der Spek said the council’s toilet plan, which was out for consultation as part of the 201828 longterm plan, ‘‘identifies some possibilities’’, including new toilets at Katiki Straight and Lindis Pass.

Elsewhere, the Central Otago District Council was yet to decide whether it would apply for funding and was assessing the the fund’s criteria.

The council had previously received government funding for toilets and compacting rubbish bins to try to manage the growth in visitor numbers and freedom camping, Ms Coughlan said.

Last December, $14.2 million was awarded in the first round of the fund for 30 visitorrelated infrastructure projects and four feasibility studies.

Round two applications close on May 14.