Waikato River a priority for mayoral candidate
Ewan Wilson has come out saying he plans to make the Waikato River a priority, and if he’s elected he’ll do it all in 90 days.
Mayoral candidate Ewan Wilson has come out pledging to make the Waikato River a priority if elected.
In a press release issued on his website Wilson says the economic growth the Waikato River could bring Hamilton can no longer be ignored.
Wilson believes 90 days is all it will take to deliver a clear strategy for the Waikato River.
“I believe 90 days will allow enough time to establish the way forward, understanding that it will require input from additional groups who the current Mayor has chosen to turn her back to, in the same way as the city, under her management turns its back on the river,” Wilson said.
He said that despite current Mayor, Julie Hardaker, making the river an election issue in 2010, nothing came to pass and it’s now “time for action”.
Hardaker said that the Waikato River Authority is responsible for restoring the health of the river, co-chairing with Tainui.
“The Council is working on a plan for the river for its development and turning the city to the river. Tainui are represented on that working group. Very exciting stuff,” said Hardaker.
So what does Wilson have planned for the Waikato River?
“Imagine a Viaduct Harbour-like precinct threading along our majestic river with retail, office, residential, hospitality and entertainment as part of the fabric of our progressive city. Not only will it make more of this natural asset for Hamiltonians but it will undoubtedly become a drawcard for tourism, much like almost every other significant waterway in the world,” Wilson said.
The winner of the race for Mayor will be announced on Saturday, as well as the results for the council seats.
