The next step has been taken by the alliance of four southern councils over water operations.
The Waitaki and Central Otago District Councils agreed at meetings yesterday to put out for consultation a document into the future shape of their water operations.
They will be joined by the Clutha and Gore District Councils, which are also undertaking consultation from their ratepayers. The four councils have joined forces to work together on water operations.
Waitaki is slightly different in that it is also asking its ratepayers to rank three other options.
The three other options are a standalone Waitaki District Council-controlled organisation, an in-house council business unit or join the South Canterbury Group, with Mackenzie, Timaru and Waimate Districts.
Central Otago District Council business support group manager Julie Muir told elected members an initial analysis of submissions received in response to the long-term plan showed a close to 50-50 split regarding the creation of a new water entity versus keeping the status quo.
However, much of the discussion at the meeting centred on the status quo being a red herring, Ms Righarts said.
"The word status quo implies that we can continue as we are, with the same costs, and we know legally that’s not achievable.
"There’s no such things as status quo — it’s status quo that we continue to deliver in-house, but it’s at a higher costs and higher level of service."
Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley said people needed to "wrap their heads around" the proposal.
"There are challenges coming in this [Three Waters] space that we are aware of, but perhaps the general public aren’t quite across," she said.
Waitaki District Council chief executive Alex Parmley said at the meeting yesterday that maintaining the status quo was no longer possible.
"Even keeping water services in-house will require significant transformation and greater regulation," he said.
Some councillors questioned the viability of the South Canterbury option after the Waimate District Council opted for an in-house model, raising doubts about the group’s cohesion.
Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said the preferred Southern Group option offers collaboration, stability and value for money.
Mr Kircher said the Southern Group has "been open and willing throughout."
