Waikato's bid to secure government economic stimulus money is off to a roaring start with nearly 80 per cent of Waikato projects over the first hurdle.
Regional leaders were advised last night that 18 of the region's 23 shovel-ready projects had made the first cut. They have now been sent to the Minister of Economic Development Phil Twyford and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones for further assessment.
Proposals still in the mix include a plan to dramatically improve walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure in Hamilton, enhancements to the Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail service, an upgrade of tourist routes in the Waikato district as well as sports field development, a new entrance for the Hamilton Zoo and Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, development of Hamilton's gully network and supporting the Ruakura, Peacocke and Rotokauri growth cells.
In Waipa, a proposal for massive upgrades to waters infrastructure and well as support for new housing areas in Cambridge remain under consideration.
In addition, four projects have been sent to the Provincial Development Unit for consideration. They are the development of a Pan Pasifika Hub in Hamilton, the Hamilton to Cambridge section of the Te Awa cycleway, and two projects to upgrade infrastructure at Hamilton Airport.