Any new flood protection work on the Taieri needs to be paid
for by those who benefit the most, Taieri farmers say.
About 40 farmers met at the Momona Hall last night, in the
first of two meetings organised by Federated Farmers to
discuss the major capital flood and drainage works the Otago
Regional Council plans for the area, as detailed in its
long-term plan adopted last year.
During the regional council's planning process last year, the
farmers called for a review of who was benefiting from the
flood and drainage works on the Taieri and the council agreed
to provide one.
But Federated Farmers Otago president Mike Lord said this
year's draft plan was due out and it appeared nothing had
been done by the regional council about a review.
The regional council had also promised to consult farmers but
that had not happened.
There were anomalies in their targeted rate classifications
which meant farmers in some areas would pay significantly
more than those directly affected by the works, he said.
"A rates review would see the people who get the benefit pay
for the scheme."
Taieri farmer and former regional councillor Colin Scurr said
given farmers had experienced major rate rises during the
past three years, the works needed to have full community
support and be funded appropriately.
"Is it a fair system?"Farmers at the meeting questioned why
works considered to be major new projects should be funded
through the present targeted rates, which were for
maintenance of existing schemes.
"New proposed work should have a separate rate - their own
classification," Mr Scurr said.
Regional council corporate director Wayne Scott said the
rating-differential classifications would be reviewed once
the technical work to understand the benefits was done.
Environmental engineering and natural hazards director Gavin
Palmer said that work had started but it was a complicated
job.
Regional councillors David Shepherd and Bryan Scott attended
the meeting, as did Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson and
Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board representatives.
Another meeting on the flood project will be held in the
North Taieri Church Hall tonight.
