Local Government works with Government to deliver cycleway project

"The Prime Minister's cycleway plan is a welcome boost for local communities. It will create local jobs and a platform for economic development," says Lawrence Yule, President of Local Government New Zealand.

Mr Yule was speaking on the first day of the Local Government New Zealand Annual Conference at which Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a series of cycleway projects which could get underway this summer.

Working alongside 21 mayors and council chairs, the Government has identified seven separate projects that could benefit from a quick-start injection of $9 million from its $50 million New Zealand Cycleway Fund. They are:

Waikato River Trail
Central North Island Rail Trail
Mount Ruapehu to Wanganui
St James Trail
Hokianga to Opua/Russell
Hauraki Plains Trail
Southland Around the Mountain Trail.

"This is an exciting initiative coming out of the Prime Minister's February Job Summit and our member councils are delighted to be able to play a part in it," added Mr Yule. "We look forward to working with the Government on the detail of the project and realising the Prime Minister's vision."

Frana Cardo, Mayor of Southland District Council, says she is delighted by the announcement which will bring huge economic benefit to the region. "Our plans for a Southland Mountain Rail Trail are well advanced as part of our long-term council planning and in time we are looking to extend it all the way to Bluff."

Local Government New Zealand's Conference and AGM runs for three days in Christchurch (July 27-29) and looks at the role of local government in an international context.

ENDS

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