The Provincial Growth Fund’s decision to invest in the restoration of the Manawatū River Loop in Foxton marks a significant step forward for the project.

The decision was announced by Save Our River Trust Chairperson Robin Hapi at today’s Council meeting.

“This is certainly a major step forward for those who have worked tirelessly to have this part of the Manawatū River returned to the community of Te Awahou/Foxton. While we have cause to celebrate this initial support from central Government, there is still much to do to earn the confidence necessary for further investment in the restoration of our river and show the economic benefit this will deliver to Foxton and our region,” Mr Hapi said.

The Manawatū River stopped flowing through the Loop in the 1940s following a large flood after a government department carried out flood mitigation work. Since then the Loop has become silted up and what was once a bustling port is now a backwater.

Horowhenua District Council Chief Executive and Chair of the Manawatu River Loop Working Party, David Clapperton, said for decades locals have called for the Loop to be reopened and recently Council funded a GHD technical report into how that might occur.

“The investment by the government announced today allows for scientific environmental research, a peer review of the GHD report into technical aspects, and a destination management study to be carried out,” he said.

“Foxton has transformed in the past few years into a bustling visitor destination thanks to significant Council investment. This study will help us understand the community, recreational, tourism and economic impacts of the project at a local and regional level,” Mr Clapperton said.

A redeveloped River Loop will enhance the mana of the nearby internationally recognised Manawatū River estuary Ramsar site, which draws in a range of tourism and marine-related activities.

“The project fits well with Council’s efforts to remove all treated wastewater discharges to waterways from across the district, including the Loop.”

Mr Clapperton said the destination management study will look at opportunities for commercially funded activities such as interpretive and education facilities for children and the general public that focus on the river and estuarine environment, tourism infrastructure such as high-quality toilets, development of a walkway and cycleway network, and town centre vibrance and pride (Foxton Northern Gateway Regeneration).

“A revitalised Foxton Loop is an issue close to the heart of Iwi and the wider Horowhenua community and I’m pleased the Provincial Growth Fund is able to support this project,” said Di Grennell, Manawatū-Whanganui Senior Regional Official for the Provincial Growth Fund.

“Restoring this waterway has potential to not only spark economic growth in the district but to help address a decades old situation that has had a lasting effect in the region,” she said.

“We are delighted that the Provincial Growth Fund has offered this opportunity for our awa, our district and the region to help revive the mauri of the Manawatū River and Estuary,” Mr Clapperton said.

Council will contribute to the project by carrying out a Foxton Marketing Plan and providing a project lead to work across all three funded project components.

© Scoop Media