Minister praises initiative
FINANCE Minister Grant Robertson toured the Clutha District yesterday, pausing in Balclutha with Labour list candidate Rachel Brooking, Labour Taieri candidate Ingrid Leary and Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan to inspect the site of a planned new Countdown supermarket in Clyde St.
Mr Robertson praised Clutha District Council for its approach to fostering employment in the area.
‘‘Clutha has had its challenges, but has taken steps to encourage business activity and employment growth, which we can now see paying off.’’
The supermarket is expected to bring 80 jobs to the town when it opens next year.
He said a secondterm Labour Government would support local authorities to take the initiative.
‘‘We want to break down silos, and work with the regions to back the projects they know will help move their economies forward.’’
The group went on to visit Kaitangata, where it shared refreshments with locals at the Crescent Bar, before concluding its visit at Milton community development agency, Project Bruce.