ORC

A general rate increase of 5.34% is included in the Otago Regional Council draft annual plan for 2013 to 2014, which is now open to public comment.

A multimillion-dollar reserve account may be set up to possibly fund a future Otago Regional Council head office facility.

It is expected tough new water quality regulations approved by the Otago Regional Council this week will end up in the Environment Court.

The Otago Regional Council has held off releasing its long-awaited water quality plan change recommendations to ensure staff and councillors are ''singing from the same song sheet''.

The Otago Regional Council wants to avoid a ''crisis'' and is urging mining rights holders for water to act well before their permits expire in 2021.

The Otago Regional Council's problems with its new public bus service contracts may be solved by legislation being drafted by the Labour Party.

Many proposed legislative changes flowing out of the Government appear to be a ''sustained attack on local democracy'', Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead says.

A Lincoln-based Landcare Research scientist is urging those who carry out rabbit poisoning programmes to consider also getting rid of the feral cats that feed on them.

The Otago Regional Council's spat with the New Zealand Transport Agency is concerning - particularly if it comes at a cost to ratepayers.

Up to $1.5 million of Government funding could be lost to the Otago Regional Council, if it fails to make peace with the New Zealand Transport Agency over bus contracts.