A preliminary report on
the rating classification review promised for the Taieri
should be presented during the April committee meeting round,
Otago Regional Council chief executive Graeme Martin said.
Farmers on the Taieri have waited 12 months since they asked
the regional council for a review during last year's
long-term council community plan consultation. Their request
was reiterated at meetings last month.
They hoped the review would identify the true beneficiaries
of flood and drainage work on the Taieri, so rating could
become fairer.
Mr Martin said at the engineering and hazards committee
meeting this week that "principles" of the Taieri rating
issues would be presented next month.
"We're trying to do this as rapidly as possible."
Cr Stephen Woodhead said it was a very complicated issue,
given the mix of flood and drainage schemes, as well as
maintenance work needed.
"Then there are the issues that come out of the flooding [in
2006 and 2007]. It is a very complicated picture."
Cr Bryan Scott said the issue of fair rating, particularly in
relation to new works, had been noted and the council was
working on finding the best, fairest and most sensible way to
work it out.
- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
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