Mayor welcomes John Key's $1.5 million Hauraki Trails Quick Start funding

Thames-Coromandel Mayor Philippa Barriball has welcomed John Key's announcement this morning of $1.5 million dollars to develop the Thames and Hauraki Plains sections of the National Cycleway.

In a speech to Local Government New Zealand Mr Key said the Government had set aside $9 million from the $50 million New Zealand Cycleway Fund for projects earmarked for a 'Quick Start'.

Ten Mayors of the wider Central North Island Region worked together and sent a letter to John Key requesting specific projects and it particularly delights Mayor Barriball that all of the projects requested have been successful in receiving funding.

Among the selected projects is the Hauraki Plains Trail. The funding will develop the trail from Thames to Waihi through Paeroa and the Karangahake Gorge. Prime Minister, John Key said this is a fantastic example of a cooperative approach that will be critical to the success of the Cycleway.

Mayor Philippa Barriball says, "We are thrilled to be included in the national cycleway project. With the stunning new Kopu Bridge and its walkway, this leg of the cycleway will join the other iconic elements of this potential tourism experience as well as providing a necessary link for the Hauraki Rail Trail which will connect Paeroa and Thames."

Mayor Barriball says she understands construction may begin this summer and is likely to employ 40 new jobs per project.

The proposed project involves two linked rail trails. The Thames to Paeroa trail will follow the disused railway line with access to areas of ecological significance such as wetlands, as well as sites steeped in early New Zealand history. The first stage of the project will focus on developing an initial portion of this trail.

The Paeroa to Karangahake Gorge trail will include the renowned historical gold-mining area and then follow the river down to Waikino to the head of the vintage railway that leads into Waihi. The overall vision for the New Zealand Cycleway is to generate lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits for communities by a network of 'Great Rides' through some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery.