Media release

9 August, 2007

$2 million funding boost

The development of a marine precinct and super-yacht industry hub at Hobsonville today received a $2 million boost.

Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard announced the funding will come from the government’s Major Regional Initiative fund.

The money is tagged to infrastructure which will allow easy access for large boats to deep water

Waitakere City Council is leading the overall development along with key partners such as the Marine Industry Association and Auckland Plus.

Chairman of Waitakere City Council’s City Development Committee, Penny Hulse, says that today’s announcement is an example of local, regional, and central governments working together.

“When the Government announced the closure of the Hobsonville airbase Waitakere (City Council) saw a unique opportunity to create jobs and training in the boat building industry, which is very definitely one of the country’s leading exporters. It has taken some time to develop the concept but now all systems are go and we expect building to begin in 2008.”

Councillor Hulse says that since Waitakere City announced it was purchasing 15 hectares of land at the former airbase for the marine precinct development there have been weekly expressions of interest from industry players.

“The Government’s commitment will ensure that things go ahead even more quickly than we had hoped,” she says.

ENDS

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