A report going to Council on Wednesday 29 July recommends consulting on a new rating approach that is intended to be fairer, more transparent and easier to understand than the current system.

Science and Resilience Portfolio Co-Lead, Cr Gretchen Robertson says the review is about ensuring the way costs are shared better reflects the benefits properties receive and the services the schemes provide.

"These schemes are essential for protecting people, property, businesses and productive land from flooding, while also providing drainage that supports farming and other land uses."

"The current rating approach has developed over many years and includes a range of historical arrangements that can be difficult to understand and explain. This review is an opportunity to consider whether there is a simpler and fairer way of sharing those costs."

The review covers the Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme, the Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme, and the East and West Taieri Drainage Schemes.

Under the proposal, flood protection and drainage costs would be assessed separately to better reflect the different benefits they provide.

Flood protection costs would be shared based on the level of flood protection benefit a property receives, while drainage costs would be shared based on land area, land use and the relative demand different land uses place on the drainage network.

Science and Resilience Portfolio Co-Lead, Cr Gary Kelliher says updated flood modelling and technical assessments have also been used to review the scheme boundaries.

"For some property owners, the proposal could mean changes to their targeted rates or whether their property is now included or now excluded within a scheme boundary."

"That's why it's important people take the time to look at the information available and, if Council approves consultation, let us know what they think before any decisions are made."

If Council agrees to proceed, public consultation will open on Monday, 10 August and run until Friday 11 September 2026.

Property owners will be able to:

• use an online rates estimator to compare current and proposed targeted rates 
• view interactive maps showing current and proposed scheme boundaries 
• watch a series of videos explaining the proposal 
• attend community drop-in sessions in Balclutha, Mosgiel and Outram during August 
• make a submission online or in writing. 

Following consultation, Council will consider all submissions before making any final decisions.

Further information

People can read the Council report and supporting information ahead of the meeting at: Council Meeting - 29 July 2026

Some additional details can also found at orc.govt.nz/schemerates