While the main arguments are focused on the strengthening requirements, the time scale to carry them out and the costs, Cr Garvan believes they overlook the main issue - are the changes needed?Even before the results of the earthquake-prone buildings policy review was announced, Cr Garvan questioned the need for changes in areas not at risk.
Yesterday, Cr Garvan urged people to read the review and make submissions before the deadline of 5pm on Friday, considering whether the changes were needed, particularly in the North Otago area.
He pointed out that, since 1843, 483 people had died in earthquakes in New Zealand.
The chances of dying in a car crash were one in 10,000 a year, he said.
''The chances of dying in an earthquake, if you are in a modern building, are one in a million a year,'' he said.
While acknowledging the tragic loss of life in the Christchurch earthquake which prompted the review, Cr Garvan questioned the cost benefit of spending $1.86 billion upgrading buildings at risk in New Zealand. It had been estimated the cost in the Waitaki district was $178 million.
That would impose significant costs on ratepayers and building owners.
The policy also excluded residential properties, where people spent most of their time each day.
''No-one has asked the fundamental question - if we spend say $5 billion, how many additional lives will be saved?
''We then divide the number of lives saved into the $5 billion costs - are we paying $50 million for every life saved and is that a sound use of capital?''
