Cycling network promises regional benefits
One cycle trail body may soon rule them all in the Waikato bringing with it 100,000 extra visitors and 160 new jobs.
Economic development agency Te Waka and the Waikato Regional Council have commissioned a business case to identify how to maximise the economic, business and employment opportunities associated with the region’s cycle trails.
It comes amid the recent Waikato Economic Summit identifying cycle trails and their wider economic benefits as one of the top three economic development opportunities in the region.
The case suggests bringing the region’s Hauraki Rail Trail, Timber Trail, Waikato River Trails, the Great Lake Trail, and Te Awa River Ride together under the Waikato Regional Cycle Trail Network (WRCTN).
The network is made up of trail trusts, district councils, regional council, Te Waka, New Zealand Transport Agency, Department of Conservation, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism, Destination Coromandel and Destination Great Lake Taupo¯ .
A regional approach to the development of the trails would be taken, rather than the trails being limited by local capacity and funding availability.
Te Waka chief operating officer Harvey Brookes said the cycle trails were a ‘‘potential game-changer’’ for the region.
‘‘Our interest is in the economic growth and job benefits which the trails can facilitate — helping to connect and link destinations, events and assets, to create high-value multi-day visitor experiences.
‘‘The development of trails can open up business and job opportunities in food and retail, cultural and event tourism hospitality and destination development that might not otherwise exist, or which might not exist to the same extent,’’ he said.
Over the next five years investment of over $1.5 million will be sought.
But South Waikato District Council economic development manager Paul Bowden said funding from WRCTN members won’t be impacted for three years.
A total of $737,000 is needed during that period.
‘‘The proposal is that a funding application will be made to the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to fund the establishment of the network and operating cost for years 1-3,’’ he said. The Waikato Regional Council will contribute 9 per cent of the funding needed and other members what they have already allocated through the likes of Long Term Plans.
From year four, members will be required to pay up to $27,000 each per annum.
Bowden said there was a need for the network.
‘‘By working more coherently as a network and having dedicated staff managing that network then we have the opportunity to grow both national and international visitors.
‘‘They estimate another 100,000 visitors over 10 years and that will create another 160 jobs by 2029,’’ he said.
Bike Taupo¯ operations manager Pete Masters welcomed the move.
‘‘Cycling is already a big part of the community and Bike Taupo¯ wish to join some trails together to make it better.
‘‘Remember this is a long term strategy. It may be 20 years before the stars align and some projects are able to be undertaken,’’ he said.
The South Waikato, Hamilton City, and Hauraki District Councils have voted to support the move, while ThamesCoromandel, Waikato, Matamata-Piako and Waitomo District Councils are yet to deliberate.