Ferry backer's challenge to local businesses

Neville Palmer from Palmers Plumbing & Heating Ltd has made an undisclosed donation to help the Whanganui to Motueka ferry proposal.

Whanganui businesses are starting to put money into further developing the Whanganui to Motueka ferry proposal.

At a meeting at the RSA last Thursday, newly appointed project director Nik Zangouropoulos presented an updated summary of where the Midwest Ferries project is at.

Midwest's Neville Johnson said it was a successful meeting and following it he received a "considerable four-figure donation" from Neville Palmer at Palmers Plumbing & Heating Ltd who challenged other business to do the same.

Mike Paul from Totalspan followed suit with $5000.

The money will go towards the next stage of developing the proposal. Mr Johnson said about $190,000 was needed to get the proposal to the next stage.

"The pre-feasibility study has developed into discussions with major transport operators and businesses who would be potential users or owners."

Mr Johnson said there would be further public meetings as progress was made.