Plan Highlights – Key Issues and Projects particular, additional resources are required for environmental • Additional staff resources to support Smart and Connected monitoring, coastal monitoring and science programmes, biodiversity, community groups; riparian management, Taylor River enhancement, implementation of the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing • An increase in the Commercial Events Fund. Contaminants in Soil, monitoring of winery waste discharges, monitoring of agricultural spray drift and implementation of the National • Investment in developing skills attraction and retention services. Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. • Progressively increasing funding by just under $0.4 million for implementation of the proposed Regional Pest Management Plan 2018 and Biosecurity Strategy over the next three years. Economy The Council agreed to invest in the following economic development activities following their inclusion in the 2018-28 Consultation Document: • Supporting the development of the Marlborough to Kaikoura cycle trail by contributing up to $2 million towards its construction. For all scenarios (low, medium and high use) the benefits generated from this project will exceed the cost of the project over a 20 year period. The trail has potential to create between 45 and 88 full-time local jobs, mainly in accommodation, food and beverage, retail and recreation services, and to generate between $68 million and $132 million of economic benefit to the District over 20 years. Further detailed route planning, design and costing work will be necessary before construction starts. • Providing funding of $220,000 over two years to assist with the completion of the Link Pathway. The Pathway will connect with the Queen Charlotte Track and will provide an opportunity to walk or ride from Meretoto/Ship Cove to Havelock and Picton. The Link Pathway has become increasingly popular as each section has been completed. When the pathway is completed it will start in Picton and provide an added visitor attraction for our cruise ship passengers and is linked to the iconic Queen Charlotte Track. • Providing funding of $75,000 in 2018-19, increasing to $85,000 in 2019- 20 and $95,000 from 2020-21 onwards to implement some of the recommendations of the Economic Development Review including: 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 13