$2.4 million subsidy boost for Mahia Beach Community Wastewater Scheme

A collaborative approach has resulted in a $2.4 million central government injection to the Mahia Beach Community Wastewater Scheme, bringing the total government subsidy to just over $5.5 million.

Wairoa District Council Mayor Les Probert, Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chairman Fenton Wilson and MP Chris Tremain worked together with Hawkes Bay District Health Board and Ministry of Health staff to secure the additional subsidy, which was announced by Health Minister, Hon. Tony Ryall, today.

Mayor Probert said the confirmation of the extra money was welcome news, and it would now be up to council to decide how it would slot into the budget.

"Our options have expanded as to how the scheme will be paid for, and we recognise that we have a heavy responsibility to ensure it is worked into the budget in a way which benefits both the Mahia residents and the wider district."

"The additional funding primarily allows us to ensure that further increases in an escalating market place do not increase costs to residents, and may even bring about a cost reduction," he said.

Surveys of individual properties to determine the incorporation of existing infrastructure are almost complete, and ground work on the scheme is expected to commence soon.