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October 29, 2015
Movement at last on Opotiki Harbour upgrade
Waatea Team
Posted On October 29, 2015
A long-standing effort by Whakatohea to revitalise its rohe through the development of a huge offshore mussel farm has got a boost from the government.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says the government will spend $3 million assessing a plan to create year-round navigable entrance to Opotiki Harbour and construct a new commercial wharf.
The wharf will support a range of industries including processing facilities for the 3800ha offshore marine farm.
It's is a key element in an economic development action plan for the Bay of Plenty launched today by Mr Joyce and Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell.
The action plan follows on from an independent Regional Growth Study released in May which identified short to mid-term opportunities that could boost investment, employment and incomes across the wider region.
Since the launch of the independent report in May, local and central government, business, iwi and the wider community have been working collaboratively to develop the Action Plan to take key opportunities forward.
Doug Leeder from development agency Bay of Connections says the Action Plan is forms the basis of a long-term partnership with government.
It covers agribusiness, aquaculture, education and skills, forestry and wood products, geothermal, horticulture, Maori land utilisation, visitor economy and water.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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