This morning the West Coast Economic Working Group met again in Queenstown, with yesterday's news that the Mt Lyell Motor Inn and the Railway Hotel have gone into administration highlighting the challenges facing the region.
This is sad news, but we hope that through the administration process a future for both the businesses and their employees can be secured.
The difficulties facing those businesses are another blow for the West Coast, but we remain confident that there are projects and initiatives which can be brought forward to stimulate the local economy.
Over the weekend a tender for $5.2 million upgrades to roads in the Strahan area was released, allowing for up to 30 jobs to be created when construction begins.
Last week the West Coast Wilderness Railway announced that it would be re-opening its full route in time for this year's peak tourist season.
The Liberal Government will also be bringing forward $750,000 in commitments to ensure they provide jobs and economic input this financial year.
Today's meeting of the working group focussed on how we can support and assist projects and ideas which have been put forward for consideration.
We are confident that there will more projects which can be facilitated or brought forward to provide jobs and economic stimulus to the West Coast.
Through the working group we are continuing to work hard to provide support services and bring forward initiatives which will help the West Coast through these tough times.
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