All three ‘shovelready’ projects make short list

SHOVELREADY projects in Central Otago may be a step closer to being approved for state financial backing after being shortlisted to receive government support.

The Central Otago District Council on Thursday received official notification all three of the projects it submitted to the Infrastructure Industry Reference Group had made the shortlist of 802 shovelready projects nationwide.

The ClydeAlexandra water and wastewater connection project, the Central Otago pipeline and reservoir project, and the Central Otago subdivision and development project made the list from 1924 projects submitted.

Council executive manager infrastructure services Julie Muir said while there was no guarantee the Central Otago projects would be funded ‘‘to get to this next stage and still be in the running is great news’’.

Council executive manager planning and environment Louise van der Voort said if successful the Central Otago subdivision and development project would provide an economic boost to the construction and building industries, associated supply chains and trades, and would help housing affordability.

The ClydeAlexandra water and wastewater connection project application is for additional funding of

$16.3 million.

The Central Otago pipeline and reservoir project involves work totalling $14.3 million.

The Central Otago subdivision and development project application is for

$17.2 million.