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.