December 14, 2018
Ōpōtiki mussel factory gets PGF boost
It’s a gold medal day for Ōpōtiki and the eastern Bay of Plenty as Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones spreads some pūtea from the provincial growth fund.
As well as $700,000 to look at irrigation and water storage options for Raukokore and a boost for Whakaari White Island tourism, there’s up to $20 million for a mussel processing facility in the town.
Mr Jones says while Whakatōhea has invested heavily in its offshore mussel farm, the facility in Ōpōtiki is a way to greatly increase the value of the project in terms of employment for its people.
"It’s a win win. These things take time but what we are reflecting through this decision is the Government's commitment to expand marine farming and deliver on what we said we would do via the coalition agreement so I think it's a gold medal day for Whakatōhea and that part of Aotearoa," he says.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com