The coalition Government has co-funded $12,564 worth of flood resilience projects in the Waikato region through the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Speaking at the Waikato Growth Summit at Zealong Tea Estate in Hamilton last month, regional development minister Shane Jones encouraged applications to the $1.2 billion fund that had already helped six priority flood resilience projects in the region since applications opened on July 1.
“The fund represents opportunity for co-investment and co-design of projects,” Jones said.
An example of infrastructure, the inland port at Ruakura. Photo: Supplied.
The fund’s primary purpose is to inject capital into the regional economy and accelerate major infrastructure projects.
Jones’ mission was to explore opportunities for the regions and the Government to work together.
“Public-private capital. This is the kaupapa of our government.”
Bemoaning the cost of energy “bedevilling all forms of industry” Jones said “a lot of you are concerned about burning coal. It does not bother me one iota and it keeps the lights on.”
Energy security and affordability was a critical issue, he said.
Jones said the funding commitment reflected the Government’s focus on doing everything it could to enable an export led recovery, build regional prosperity and create jobs.
The fund is intended to drive regional productivity, prosperity, and resilience by focusing on resilience infrastructure that improves regions’ ability to absorb, adapt and respond to stresses and shocks.
Jones promised there would “not be a cent left in the chequebook by the next election in terms of the $1.2 billion fund”.
Waikato River
Jones encouraged applications from waste storage schemes diverting water from the Waikato River. “Our government is committed to water storage,” he said. “We welcome co-investment opportunities.”
His suggestion was warmly accepted by Tainui Group Holdings.
The summit identified six regional priorities:
Logistics and distribution, sustainable food and agriculture/land use, high value manufacturing, technology, energy and sustainability and tourism.
In Waikato’s case, $12,564 of the 60 per cent investment had enabled $20,940 worth of work.
- Lower Waikato Stopbank Upgrade raising stopbanks to new design standards to address climate change, aligning with Waikato District Council’s flood protection strategies and incorporating future climate requirements.
- Island Block Pumps project upgrades a flood protection pump station to address climate change, meet fish passage guidelines, and continue the Climate Resilience Fish Passage Project in a priority tuna catchment.
- Kirikiri Stopbank upgrade – Kopu Thames Connection project involves raising stop banks to address subsidence, upgrading the SH26 bridge, and protecting iwi land and archaeological sites, using sediment from the Kirikiri Stream to maintain hydraulic capacity and ecological habitats.
- Thames Valley diversion channel planting programme aims to enhance flood mitigation and ecological values through fencing, drain shaping, and planting, promoting sustainable, low-maintenance management and reducing future costs.
- Mangatāwhiri Pump Station Infrastructure project replaces the dual inlet and construct an isolation gate to enhance maintenance access, resilience to climatic events, and safety, while aligning with the Waikato District Council’s flood protection strategies.
- Lower Waikato Floodgate Upgrade Programme upgrades flood protection assets in the Mangawara catchment, aligning with the Waikato District Council’s strategies, and enhancing emergency response preparedness.
Shane Jones
