"One of the great opportunities for economic growth is through tourism - Hastings does not get its share of visitor market it should, and if we could use that fund to increase visitors the flow-on effect for the rest of the community would be enormous."
He welcomed the increased focus on forestry, but hoped that would ensure there was a value-added component and that the trees would be planted primarily on land unsuited to agriculture.
Current councillor and mayoral candidate Bayden Barber said the fund announcement was exciting and that in the Hastings district there were plenty of places it could be spent.
"The horticulture sector is in a boom phase with production set to double - we need people to be able to work in that sector so putting that money into the youth of Hastings so they are able to fill the medium to high-skilled job gap would be good."
If that were the case, it would mean people could afford to buy homes and have brighter future prospects overall, he said.
Acting deputy mayor Simon Nixon said the fund was a good idea, but he questioned Hawke's Bay's chances at getting a significant slice of the pie, with most of the ministerial players linked to it being from the far north of the North Island.
"I wonder how much will flow south.
"The previous government had a $1 billion fund for infrastructure to support housing from which not a cent came this way because we did not have enough opportunities to be eligible."
He noted, that for whatever reason, Hawke's Bay often missed out on such potential funding options.
"It worries me that we are not proactive or eligible enough to get our share when we need it so much.
"In the end we have to have plans to put up to get it and I do not see anything on the books in that regard."
As reported yesterday, acting mayor Sandra Hazlehurst welcomed the focus on regional development, particularly investment in major infrastructure projects and the relocation of government services.
Policies around sustainable transport, water and the climate would also benefit Hastings district, she said.
"I am looking forward to seeing the detail behind these policies, particularly around water quality standards, which is a top priority for our district.
"Of particular interest to us will also be the roll out of employment and social development policies, which are key areas of focus for council," she added.
Efforts to reach candidates Allister Tosh and Waitawhara Tupaea were unsuccessful.