Southland District Council Mayor Gary Tong is thrilled with the funding for Fiordland and Stewart Island/Rakiura announced by Tourism Minister Stuart Nash today.

Southland District Council will receive $3,739,125 for projects in Fiordland and Stewart Island/Rakiura from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund

The Fiordland area will receive $1.1 million to upgrade the boat ramp, toilets, and carpark at Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, and to upgrade the access road and toilets at Fraser’s Beach Manapouri.

There's $1.5m additional funding for the Te Anau wastewater project and $440,000 for the replacement of two boat ramps in Te Anau to meet the required standards and a new toilet for Bluegum Point.

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Stewart Island/Rakiura will receive $99,125 to build a viewing platform at Observation Rock, and $600,000 for replacement of Ulva Island Wharf.

Tong said this is great news for both communities, and in particular will go a long way in boosting the morale in Fiordland which was hit so hard by the aftermath of Covid-19.

"Both communities are ready to go and we are looking forward to the projects getting underway," he said.

Fiordland councillor and deputy mayor Ebel Kremer said he is so stoked with the news, in particularly the funding for the Te Anau wastewater project, which is 100% of what was asked for.

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"This will help the Te Anau ratepayers who are hurting from last year with their rates, which is good news," Kremer said.

"I appreciate the support from central Government and it means a lot to our communities."

Stewart Island/Rakiura councillor Bruce Ford said he is delighted to see the projects move forward.

"Ulva Island is majorly important to the island and we have been working on this for several years so it will be great to get the physical works under way.

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"Observation Rock is a very popular spot and many people go there to see the stars and aurora in our Dark Skies project," Ford said.

Tong thanked Mr Nash for his support and his visit to Fiordland where he heard about the issues firsthand. He also thanked staff, both at the council and at Great South, for putting together professional applications in such a short time.