A former Westland mayor says his plans for a multi-million dollar highway connecting Haast and Milford Sound will at least double tourism to the area.
Durham Havill intends to create a new company, backed by an overseas investor, to get resource consent and support for a $220 million highway through Hollyford Valley.
He says at a public meeting in Te Anau on Monday night, all but seven people in an audience of about 250 were in favour of the plan.
"That just shows you the support we've got down here as well," he says.
Mr Havill says it is a road that should have been built many years ago as it will help boost tourism in Westland and Southland.
