Mining royalties to finance housing in first regional deals

Analysis: There’s not yet much to see at Bendigo Station in Central Otago, but ASX-listed Santana Minerals has disclosed to investors a gold discovery worth an estimated $10b.
If consented through the fast-track process (and resources minister Shane Jones has already paid a visit) then Queenstown and Central Otago could get a cut of the royalties. They would use the money, along with hotel bed taxes, to fund major investment in housing and public transport.