Waikato Regional Council has welcomed news that six major funders are joining together to develop a visitor centre for the Maungatautari bird sanctuary.

"The creation of a visitor centre for the Maungatautari Ecological Island project will be a huge step forward and this announcement marks a vote of confidence from important funders that the project is on the right track," said council chairman Peter Buckley.

The regional council has itself included an intention to provide ongoing support for the project in its draft Long-Term Plan.

Mr Buckley said it was also pleasing to see that Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust had made good progress ensuring it has the access agreements it needs from adjacent landowners to maintain the pest-proof fence.

"Waikato Regional Council is helping to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the objections a very small number of land owners have over providing access to maintain the fence."