Useful first step on provincial growth- Feds

Useful first step on provincial growth- Feds

Source: Federated Farmers

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The Government has made a useful first step on its ambition to boost vitality outside the main centres, Federated Farmers Vice-President Andrew Hoggard said.

"We certainly agree with Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones when he says that if the nation is to do well, then our provinces must thrive."

Rail, forestry and tourism are the first sectors to benefit from the Provincial Growth Fund, with the projects announced today adding up to nearly $62 million.

"From a farming perspective, there’s not a lot of immediate benefit to agriculture though regional rail links can help with efficient transport of freight, and produce for export and domestic markets."

"One billion dollars has been earmarked for the Fund each year, leaving plenty of opportunity for applications to be made that do more directly benefit the farming sector," Andrew said.

"In particularly, Federated Farmers seeks swift decisions on funding for the rural broadband and mobile upgrades RBI2 and UFB+ to provide certainty to rural communities and farm businesses of much needed improvements to rural connectivity.

"Likewise, we look forward to the Provincial Growth Fund helping cover off the numerous funding shortfalls for rural roads around the country where footing the entire bill is completely beyond local councils."

ENDS

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