$150m projects boost for Waikato

The Waikato is set to receive funding for around $150 million of the $1.5 billion postCovid wishlist jointly put forward by councils.

The region’s councils two months ago put forward their ideas for shovel-ready projects to help counter the economic slump brought on by Covid-19.

Months after calling for groups nationwide to come forward with shovel-ready projects to boost the economy, the Government announced on Wednesday how a new $3b fund will be allocated.

The $3b has been broken down regionally with Auckland region receiving the highest at $500m, and Canterbury close behind at $200m.

The Waikato sits joint fourth on the list with Northland, each receiving $150m.

The funding is also broken down by housing and urban development which will receive $464m nationwide, environmental which will receive $460m nationwide, community and social development which will receive $670m nationwide and transport (cycleways, walkways, ports and roads) which will receive $708m nationwide.

In May the Hamilton City, Waipa District, Waikato Regional and Waikato District councils put forward a list of 23 shovel-ready projects in response to the Government’s request.

No specific projects in the Waikato have been announced yet. The announcements are expected within the next couple of weeks.

The Waikato councils’ list included the construction of more cycleways around the region, the fast tracking of the development for Hamilton Gardens, and enhancements for the Hamilton to Auckland commuter rail service.