A tentative agreement has been reached between the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Government for $9.48 million to improve water quality. The money would come from central government to improve drinking water, wastewater and storm water management. In July, Government announced a national $761 million funding package to maintain and improve water infrastructure, in recognition of the fact local authorities may have depleted resources following Covid-19. Queenstown council is entitled to $4.74 million local funding and a share of the wider $20.6 million regional funding, which the Government has suggested is another $4.74 million. However, the money would only be given to QLDC if a funding agreement and delivery plan could be finalised by September 30.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 21, 2020 16:30 UTC