Council gives Enterprise Lake Taupo the go ahead

At Wednesday’s Council meeting, funding was confirmed for Enterprise Lake Taupo, the Trust set up to deliver economic development services on behalf of the Taupo District.



The Trust was formed to create a fresh, new and independent organisation to take on the role of promoting, fostering and supporting economic development within the Taupo District. It will do this by rolling out projects and activities that enhance the economic environment for business and provide a platform for businesses to develop.



Council’s trustee on Enterprise Lake Taupo is Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Barnett who has significant experience in economic development. He is joined by representatives from a range of organisations in the community with interests in economic development.



An Establishment Board was created in June 2007 and tasked to set up Enterprise Lake Taupo, following a recommendation made by the Taupo District Economic Development Advisory Board. Yesterday Mr Barnett who chaired the Establishment Board presented an update to Council on the formation of Enterprise Lake Taupo and confirmed some of the initiatives that would happen once the funding was in place, including employing a CEO and the review of the economic development strategy.



“We now have all our ducks in a row and we are ready to get started – we just need the go ahead from Council and we will employ the CEO and begin operations,” said Mr Barnett.



The funding contribution that Council has allocated Enterprise Lake Taupo is $100,000 per year for 2007/08 and 2008/09.



There was some discussion around the table regarding the recent sale of Biojoule and the resulting income received by Lake Taupo Development Company (LTDC), the organisation previously contracted to provide economic development services to the District. Councillors strongly felt that LTDC should be contributing toward the development of Enterprise Lake Taupo, considering their positive cash-flow position and the contribution they have received from Council in past.



Mayor Rick Cooper agreed with his fellow Councillors but supported Mr Barnett when he said that Enterprise Lake Taupo is a fresh sheet of paper and needs to be kept separate to the issues with LTDC.



Deputy Mayor McElwee suggested that a follow up meeting be held with LTDC as soon as possible to discuss these issues.