$23m infrastructure boost for South

Southland and Otago will receive a $23 million infrastructure funding boost as part of the multibillion-dollar New Zealand Upgrade Programme, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced.

Approximately $300 million of a $12 billion funding pool was allocated for regional investment opportunities, administered by the Provincial Development Unit, when the programme was announced in January this year.

Mr Jones announced $2 million will fund flood mitigation work on a 200m-long stretch State Highway 1 in North Otago.

The area north of the Kakanui River and south of Oamaru is prone to flooding and in recent years and as a result has forced the closure of the highway, in some cases fro up to two days.

The section of highway will be raised and culverts installed.

Funding to the tune of $8 million was announced for the SH 6 to SH8B junction at Cromwell - the main road from Cromwell to Wanaka and Queenstown. 

This project would involve building a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of SH6 and SH8B.

The announcement said the intersection had a high level of safety issues including serious injury crashes and the safety record worsening over the last two years. 

"The increased popularity of the region and increased tourism numbers, as well as higher local growth, is causing increased pressure at this intersection."

The project was expected to contribute to the regional economic development plan as improvements will address the safety risks and improve traffic flows. 

Fiordland was the big winner in the lower South Island, being allocated $13 million across two projects.

A $10 million investment was signed off to improve digital and air connectivity to Fiordland just weeks after the area was devastated by severe flooding, which led to extensive road and track closures, essentially cutting it off.

Mr Jones said the floods showed how vulnerable the area could be.

"The region’s recent flooding, road and track closures highlight the fragility of the infrastructure in Milford Sound and the need for increased resilience.

"Improved digital connectivity will allow Fiordland to keep pace with other regions to develop business, employment and tourism opportunities. It allows people to work outside urban centres, gain sustainable employment and ensure talent can stay in these regions.

"Reliability of telecommunications in the region and public safety for those travelling to Milford Sound tourist destinations is another factor in the investment.’’

It builds on an existing connectivity project announced in June, that will improve internet coverage and link 11 mo
bile towers.

Another $3 million will be spent to upgrade the Milford Aerodrome, which will have its runway, apron and taxiway resealed, and drainage ability improved.

Mr Jones said it was essential the work was completed within the next three years to keep the aerodrome operational.

"The aerodrome is critical to the community and ensures transport resilience in the event of road closures.’’