The council was yesterday approved to enter into the Otago Southland Joint Group of Councils Commitment Agreement.
It is looking to join Waitaki, Central Otago and Clutha District Councils in forming a controlled council organisation (CCO) to deliver its water services.
The decision came about after the coalition government threw out the previous government’s water reforms and came up with its own.
After deliberation in a council meeting yesterday afternoon, it was unanimously confirmed the Gore District Council would enter into the agreement.
The council discussed the proposal at length, noting the strengths and limitations of grouping up, and also the hesitancy of larger urban councils to join the joint group.
Mayor Ben Bell said in the meeting that councils in cities such as Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill would be standing alone.
Mr Bell said it felt counterproductive and as though the rural councils were shut out in the cold, but if issues were raised he was happy to take them on board when he meets ministers later this year.
Concerns were raised about a larger council joining the group at a later date, and the door still being kept open for future plans.
Cr Neville Phillips was elected to be the representative for the Gore District Council in this venture.
The mayors of the four districts planning to form the CCO are due to meet Local Government Minister Simon Watts in Queenstown today.
Mr Bell, Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher, Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan and Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley will meet Mr Watts together.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers will also meet Mr Watts.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council did not join the four others in forming CCO but might join later.
