Minister criticised for 'think big’ idea

Press, 26 July 1989, Page 2

Minister criticised for 'think big’ idea

By

BRENDON BURNS

in Wellington A Labour Government Cabinet Minister has been criticised for “think big” thoughts by a former National Party Minister who helped implement such projects. Mr Warren Cooper, now Opposition spokesman on transport, said the suggestion by the Minister of Tourism, Mr Hunt, for a Milford-South Westland road link was a cruel hoax. He also sug-

gested the road would do nothing but bore tourists. After a week-end visit to the region, Mr Hunt was enthusiastic about discussing a road link with his Cabinet colleagues. Mr Cooper said such a road would be an economic nightmare. “We witness the ridiculous spectacle of contemplating quite unnecessary and extravagant public works whilst overseas pro-

motion and marketing of New Zealand as a designation lacks vigour and commitment,” he said. Mr Cooper said Mr Hunt did not have a show of getting the money for the road or implementing its development. “The fact is that driving virtually the length of the West Coast, despite 1 the beech forests and the grandeur of sea coast and moun-

tains, can be dead boring.” Mr Cooper said few tourists were attracted to driving over endless kilometres of empty roads. He said now the tourist flow had become a trickle and there were higher priorities than a Milford-South Westland link. More activities for tourists on improved existing scenic routes were the first essential, said Mr Cooper.