Otago Regional Council is reviewing how the costs of the Lower Clutha and Lower Taieri flood protection and drainage schemes are shared between the properties that benefit from them. The Council is inviting submissions on the proposed changes.

The current rating model has developed over many years and includes historical arrangements that can be difficult to understand and explain. Following a detailed review, Council is proposing a new approach that is intended to be fairer, more transparent and easier to understand.

The proposal is about how the costs of the schemes are shared and includes:

• allocating flood protection costs based on the level of flood protection benefit a property receives

• allocating drainage costs based on land area and how different land uses contribute to drainage demand

• updating the scheme boundaries using the latest flood modelling, benefit zones and drainage information.

Council staff will be available to answer questions at community drop-in sessions:

• Lower Clutha
  Balclutha: Thursday, 20 August

• Lower Taieri
  Mosgiel: Monday, 24 August and
  Outram: Tuesday, 25 August

Information about the proposal, including an online rates estimator, interactive maps and drop-in session details, and a submission form are available at orc.govt.nz/schemerates

Submissions close at 11.59pm on Friday, 11 September 2026.

Public hearings will be held in October 2026, if required. If you wish to speak to your written submission, please indicate this in your submission.