Media Release: ORC seeks feedback on this year’s Annual Plan

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is seeking community and ratepayer feedback on its draft Annual Plan that sets out a proposed work programme for 2022-23. 

The plan closely reflects a Long-term Plan (LTP) that was consulted and adopted last year,  in which an 18% ($7.2 million) general rates rise was forecast. 

Council Chair, Andrew Noone, says the draft plan maintains the direction of steady improvement and catch-up on work agreed in last year’s LTP. 

“We’re adhering to the agreed LTP financial strategy which supports a programme of improvements to meet growing expectations for Otago’s environmental management. 

“Our total income has changed, largely reflecting funding of approximately $3 million from central government for new environmental work requested since the Long Term Plan was developed. 

“However, the need to fund our long-term work programme by increasing rates remains for 2022/23 as we continue in catch-up mode, and work solidly towards improving the way ORC manages our region’s precious assets of water, land, biodiversity and air. Also, that ORC provides public transport for people in Dunedin and Queenstown. 

“We’re very aware that it has become tougher financially for many households and businesses. The 18% rates rise would mean most of our urban households, which make up 80% percent of our ratepayers, would pay an extra $30 to $70 per year. For larger or higher value properties, such as farms or commercial operations, the dollar increase is more significant.  

“So, we need to know from our community if the planned rates rise is affordable. And if people aren’t happy, what would we change?” 

The proposed $7.2 million rates increase is made up of $3.6 million in general rates and $3.6 million in targeted rates. 

The general rates increase (offset by Port Otago dividend of $14 million) relates to services including freshwater and state of the environment monitoring, biodiversity and environmental enhancement. 

The targeted rates increase relates to services such as emergency management, pest management, drainage and flood protection. 

“We welcome feedback from Otago’s community on the draft Annual Plan, to ensure our work programme supports the Region’s vision for the future,” says Mr Noone.  

People can have their say on the proposed Annual Plan 2022-23 until 5pm, Friday 6 May online at yoursay.orc.govt.nz/AP22

For a paper copy of the information and feedback form, call: 0800 474 082, or email customerservices@orc.govt.nz 

Click here to go to our proposed Annual Plan 2022-23 information and to provide your feedback