Future of Forgotten World Highway finally sealed
After more than 50 years of advocacy, Government funding has finally been allocated to sealing the 12 kilometres of unsealed road on the Forgotten World Highway.
Yesterday, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced $9.6 million from Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) would be invested in the project to seal the portion of State Highway 43.
The Stratford District Council (SDC), in conjunction with the New Zealand Transport Agency, submitted the PGF application and Jones said physical work was expected to begin in mid-2020 and take up to three years.
In an emailed statement, the SDC said it had been advocating for decades to have the road sealed because in its current state SH43 was a barrier to job creation, economic growth and social inclusion.
District Mayor Neil Volzke said sealing the section of the highway was a key enabler to unlocking the district’s and wider Taranaki’s economic and tourism growth potential.
Improvements will remove restrictions for tourists, rental vehicles, camper vans and benefit regular road users, he said.
‘‘We’ve waited a long time for this good news.
‘‘The improvements included in our application can be traced back to the 1960s, when consecutive Stratford mayors advocated for the same improvements, for the same reasons. Now they can finally be put into action.’’
Chief executive Sven Hanne said the investment would be a ‘‘game changer’’ for the region and its tourism.
‘‘There has been a lot of work over the years which has been integral to today’s outcome,’’ Hanne said. ‘‘We’re excited to see this finally get started.’’
In an emailed statement, Taranaki
Regional Council regional transport committee chairman Matt McDonald said he was delighted with the announcement.
‘‘We’ve been pushing for this investment for a long time. It will bring worthwhile dividends for the whole region as well as Stratford District, and also for Ruapehu District.’’
Taranaki regional councillor Craig Williamson, who was chairman of the council’s road transport committee from 2015-2019, said it was great to see more PGF funding coming into the region.
‘‘It’s fantastic for the tourism and transport sectors. Any investment in the region is good.’’
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger said she was thrilled the Forgotten World Highway had finally been remembered by the government.
‘‘Too often Taranaki has felt under attack by this government, so it’s refreshing to have some good news from this government. We will take our wins where we can.’’
The investment will be welcomed by business owners suffering from the road being closed due to a slip on September 14.