Whakatāne District residents are benefitting significantly from the generosity of the Eastern Bay Energy Trust (EBET), with four energy-related community projects gaining funding support recently. 

Earlier this year EBET approved funding of $65,946.40 towards electrical supply, wiring, exterior lighting and conduit for The Strand pedestrian plaza development, which opened to the public on Labour Weekend. The community and visitors alike will also benefit from the installation of Christmas and feature lighting, including additional tree bud-lighting in The Strand, with a grant of $35,040 approved. Then earlier this month, confirmation was received of a $70,000-plus grant towards the upgrading and expansion of Whakatāne’s CCTV network; and a further $75,000 grant towards the construction of a new shared-use hall at the Murupara Area School, which will be available for community use.

Projects and Services Committee Chairman, Councillor Andrew Iles, says the funding provided by EBET makes a massive contribution to the region.

“The Council is hugely appreciative of the grants made available through the Trust’s energy-related funding pool, which our community will continue to enjoy the benefits of,” he says. “This funding has enabled projects to be initiated which, otherwise, may have had to be scaled down, delayed or even set aside. The funding provided also reduces the burden on ratepayers.” 

Councillor Iles also praised EBET for its provision of funds towards the Whakatāne CCTV project. “This project is almost entirely dependent on outside funding, so the approval of $70,108.55 towards the upgrading will go a long way towards making this a reality,” he says. “The completion of this project now depends on the approval of a further funding application.”

Galatea-Murupara Ward Councillor Alison Silcock says the EBET funding for the electrical installation, data cabling, security system and heating of the planned Murupara shared-use hall will benefit the entire community. “The hall rebuild will open doors of opportunity for our students and the entire community and EBET’s contribution will be greatly appreciated by all.”

EBET Chairman Don Lewell says the Trust works closely with the Whakatane District Council to identify community projects which will have a major benefit for ratepayers, who are also the Trust’s beneficiaries.  “Trustees are especially happy to support projects which will make our communities safer.”