June 22, 2016

ORC adopts 2016-17 Annual Plan

Otago regional councillors today adopted the council’s Annual Plan for 2016-17, concluding a consultative process in which the Otago community actively engaged.
ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said the 184 people and organisations who made submissions could be proud of the input they had into the hearing panel’s deliberations and the full council’s ultimate consideration of the panel’s recommendations.
Key highlights of the plan approved by councillors include:
· Approval of funding of $100,000 towards the control of wilding conifers in Otago, funded by a targeted uniform rate across the region of $1.07 per household.

· A switch of $284,000 of funding from targeted rates to general rates for the Taieri and Lower Clutha flood and drainage schemes to more directly reflect the benefit the schemes provide to the wider community.

· Lowering of the threshold for rural properties to be charged the rural water quality rate from 4ha to 2ha.

· Provision for the development of a regional economic strategy for Otago.

· Construction of a new stock truck effluent disposal site in Central Otago.

· Appointment of a dedicated harbourmaster for Otago, subject to the recommendations of a pending report on harbour matters.

· Support for increased activity for natural hazards and emergency management.

Mr Woodhead said the council was grateful for the community support for the diverse range of planned activities in the 2016-17 document.
“In a consultative process such as this, we rely on our ratepayers and residents to help shape our vision for our work programme for the next financial year and beyond,” he said.

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