Tasman Great Taste trail will receive $67,500 as one of six new projects the Government is investing in to maintain the quality of the New Zealand Cycle Trail,
Nelson MP Nick Smith says he’s pleased the local cycle trail has been selected as it is an asset to our community and in need of repair following storm damage.
“I regularly use the Great Taste trail for recreation, fitness and family time and rate it as one if the best cycle trails in country. My favourite section is from Richmond to Mapua through Rabbit Island and the unique ferry service across the Waimea Estuary,” he says.
“At a local level this funding boost is great news for our cycle trail and nationally it is part of maintaining and enhancing the quality of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.”
Funding for our regional Cycle Trail is in addition to the $3m announced last week for the Nelson Coastal Route.
“Cycle Trails attract tourists, create jobs, and boost economic growth in the regions. Reports on Cycle Trails indicate more than 1,200 jobs have been created. This is just one of the ways National is supporting our region,” Nick says.
Around 124,000 people used the New Zealand Cycle Trail in January this year compared to 97,000 in January 2014.
In the same month cyclists on the Tasman Great Taste Trail rose from 8,600 to 9,600.
Nick says the latest investment through the Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund brings the total investment under the fund to $1.36 million with priority given to proposals that aim to improve the safety and quality of the Great Rides.
“I’m really keen to ensure the Cycle Trail is maintained to a high standard so that both locals and tourists can continue to benefit from it,” he says.
“The Government has set aside $8 million over four years to maintain and enhance the quality of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Nearly $1 million was invested in 13 projects in December.”
