Councillor Sam MacDonald told The Press people who live in the neighbouring districts benefit from facilities and infrastructure paid for by Christchurch ratepayers.
But he says they make no contribution towards the city. His comments come as the Government is forcing a fast-tracked amalgamation of local government.
“If the councils are not prepared to take the leap of faith and join up as one, at some point the people of Christchurch need to stop subsidising.”
MacDonald told The Press Christchurch residents paid for much of the stadium and to attract events to the city. While people living in the districts do not.
“Do we get accommodation nights? No. Does the airport benefit from it? No," he said.
Unless the three councils join together as one unitary authority, which would encompass Environment Canterbury’s functions, MacDonald said he envisaged putting tolls on the motorways entering the city.
However, Selwyn Mayor Gliddon told The Press her district's residents contribute significantly to Christchurch’s economy, just as the city provided services and facilities used by people across the region.
“Looking at infrastructure through the lens of tolls and boundaries risks missing the bigger picture," she said.
She said Canterbury functions as one interconnected region, and the focus should be on “working together, not creating barriers between neighbouring communities”.
Christchurch City Council and Selwyn and Waimakariri councils have yet to decide on a preferred plan and say they will consult with the public first.
- Do you think Selwyn residents should be tolled to enter Christchurch if the district council refuses to amalgamate? Email your views in 200 words or less to daniel.alvey@alliedmedia.co.nz
-Allied Media
