JOINT STATEMENT: Additional funding to guarantee success of Tarawera sewerage scheme
Hon Todd McClay MP
Member of Parliament for Rotorua
Tania Tapsell
Mayor of Rotorua
Doug Leeder
Chair of BOP Regional Council
JOINT STATEMENT: Additional funding to guarantee success of Tarawera sewerage scheme
The Government, Rotorua Lakes Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have this week reached agreement to inject an additional $4.685m into the Tarawera Sewerage reticulation scheme. The contributions will drive greater uptake on the sewerage scheme and ensure human health, and water quality in this important lake are protected, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder and Rotorua MP Todd McClay said.
The project, originally launched under the previous National Government in 2017, with the announcement of a $6.5m government grant by Rotorua MP Todd McClay, will remove the potential for septic tank contamination of Lake Tarawera and the risks of that to human health and water quality.
Mr McClay said the scheme has faced delays and funding uncertainty, however today’s announcement means that the project can now be completed.
“I would like to commend Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell and Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder for their considerable leadership, and both councils for continuing to show commitment to this important scheme that will help protect the lake and community health.”
“The Government and Regional Council will each commit an additional $1m to the project with a remaining $2.685m being contributed by Rotorua Lakes Council. This is an important decision for the Tarawera Community and our drive for enhanced lake water quality and the protection of public health,” Mr McClay said.
Mayor Tapsell said that Rotorua Lakes Council had worked closely with the Tarawera community over the last three years to bring down costs and drive this important scheme forward. “This agreement is a win for Tarawera and for water quality. This $4,6865m agreement ensures that the scheme will remain affordable to local ratepayers.”
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder said that lake water quality and the health of our community remain priorities for the Regional Council. “This agreement between the three parties means that the project can finally deliver on these priorities.
“I want to acknowledge that this has not been easy for Tarawera residents. This agreement is an important step forward and shows that when local, regional and central government work together we can drive better outcomes for our community,” Mr Leeder said.
Find out more about the Tarawera sewerage scheme project.