A new opportunities fund may be formed so the Clutha District Council's district development board can kickstart certain projects that might otherwise vanish without a trace.
The idea is yet to be ratified by the full council during its annual plan process, but up to $50,000 is expected to be set aside for the fund in the draft annual plan.
The ‘‘opportunities fund'' could be a good way for the board to respond ‘‘in a timely manner'' to research, project development and immediate needs within the district that fit within the board's role, according to a paper written by district development manager Julie Pearse.
A project fund of this kind was an important step in cementing the board's role as an innovator and leader in the district.
‘‘The fund would provide the board with the opportunity to make small strategic investments in projects that have community support, business support or allow relevant research to be supported,'' Mrs Pearse wrote.
This kind of project funding would allow the board to provide ‘‘leverage'' to attract other funding as major funders were far more responsive when offered a partnership approach through a ‘‘shared'' investment, she said.
Mrs Pearse cited the example of a conversation she had with a board member about the delivery of broadband Internet services into Clutha.
That conversation looked at using an alternative service to close the gaps by perhaps installing receivers on peaks like Mt Stuart to provide services to farmers and others in the Kaka Point area which has a straight line of sight with the mountain between Milton and Lawrence.
‘‘It is likely that for this conversation to continue, the board may need to make some small and very strategic investments to get the information that will allow an informed decision whether such a development is feasible.''
Mrs Pearse said she was involved with or keeping an overview of several key projects including Film Otago Southland, the Roxburgh-Lawrence walking trail, the 150th celebrations at Lawrence in 2011 and plans for a redevelopment of the Waihola and Waipori wetlands.
In her paper, which will be tabled at next Tuesday's board meeting, Mrs Pearse recommends the project fund be between $40,000 and $50,000. Any money not spent in one financial year should be rolled over.
