Two projects to improve toilet facilities in the upper reaches of the Coromandel have been chosen to receive just over $116,000 from the latest funding round of the central government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has awarded $65,247 to upgrade toilets at the busy tourism hotspot of Little Bay and $51,422 to introduce a toilet facility at Otautu Bay, where there are growing numbers of visitors but currently either very basic or no public toilets available.
The Council will co-fund these projects with approximate amounts of $59,950 for the Little Bay toilet upgrade and $73,775 at Otautu Bay.
"This funding is great news as both projects are much-needed to cater for rapid tourism growth at these unspoilt, natural environments," says Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Sandra Goudie.
"Otautu Bay and Little Bay are becoming more and more popular as both domestic and international visitors discover this beautiful northern area of the Coromandel; and infrastructure such as toilets are central to the visitor experience," Mayor Sandra says.
"Again, we are grateful for the support from central government in recognising that as a small council with limited resources, it's a huge ask to manage growing visitor numbers.
"The TIF was set up to support communities facing pressure from tourism growth with high visitor numbers, but relatively small ratepayer bases – like our district," she says.
"With a ratepayer base of just 2,621 rating units in the Coromandel-Colville Community Board area, these isolated tourist hotspot projects are unaffordable without the support of the TIF."
