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The funding is part of over $23 million going to10 small communities nationwide as part of the government's Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme, announced by Mr O'Connor today.

"These subsidies will further assist these two small communities on the West Coast, assisting them to have access to safe, efficient and hygienic sewerage systems," said Damien O'Connor.

The two communities to receive funding are:

• Westport - in Buller which has provisional approval for $7.82 million to build a treatment plant and reticulate the Orowaiti area. The plant has already been constructed.

• Ross - south of Hokitika, which has provisional approval for $2.41 million for a reticulation and treatment system.

Mr O'Connor said there have been some comments made about delays in approving the Westport application.

"Preliminary approval was given in October 2003 but it was not until January 2006 that a provisional application with costings was submitted.  This application was considered at the very next SAWTAC meeting and unfortunately for Westport, this was the meeting that recommended putting a hold on approvals due to funding pressures. 

"To Westport's credit, work progressed in the meantime and I am delighted that Westport is one of the first communities to gain advantage from the extra $40 million this government has committed to the scheme.

"I am delighted to announce this government's investment which will help provide safe and hygienic sewerage systems to West Coast communities.  Such systems are vital for the health and wellbeing of people in our region," said Mr O'Connor.

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