The Otago Regional Council will today begin discussions on the plentiful and wide-ranging responses on its latest Annual Plan, with some in Central Otago asking for more action and less talk.

The ORC’s call for public feedback has drawn diverse views, on how it’s shaping up to best to tackle climate change, transport challenges and caring for the region’s environment. 

The ORC is tasked with managing air, land and water quality, pests, coordinating regional land transport and developing far-reaching plans and policies for the whole of Otago.

Thirty-three letters were received about the proposed plan from organisations across the province including Central Otago’s dark skies and wilding pine action groups. 

Nearly 100 individual submissions were also received, as people responded to ORC’s future programmes and perspectives. The issues, similar to those being felt globally, are weighing heavy on the council.

Among the Central Otago submissions were calls for less monitoring and report-writing and more tangible, in-the-field work. Another urged council to show courage, particularly in air and water quality management, and “do what we need to do for our succeeding generations”.

According to an ORC statement, respondents across the region were split 60:40 when asked whether ORC should stick to its long-term plan – 60 per cent supporting the plan, 40 per cent saying no, don’t.

Make a plan for the Manuherekia(above) and all waterways …submitters are urging the ORC to quit arguing and get on with completing important environmental planning to protect air and water quality in Otago.

In a related question on long-term work programmes, almost 30 per cent wanted an “immediate pause” of the proposed programme, something that would result in delayed or reduced work programmes.

The issue of households’ ability to pay their annual rates bill – which has increased significantly - was also canvassed, with 63 per cent of respondents saying the effect was either “modest” or of “little to no impact”, while 37 per cent signalled the impact was “significant” on their household budget.

While the level of engagement was praised, statistics showed younger people were missing in action when it came to using the opportunity to have their say.

Of the 98 respondents, the largest submitter group (35 people) were more than 65-years-old, more than double the next largest group (15 people) aged 55-64.

Interest waned as ages decreased, with 15 submitters aged 45-54, six aged 35-44, seven aged 25-34 and just two submissions from people under 25.

Acting chief executive and corporate services general manager Nick Donnelly said he was pleased with the amount of public engagement, and the wide variety of topics canvassed by the submitters.

These included rabbit control, wilding pines, tracks and trails and transport, to name a few.

“The feedback and letters showed there’s a high degree of understanding and engagement on what the council’s aims and policies are for environmental protection,” Nick said.

ORC new deputy chair and finance committee chair Kevin Malcolm said public input is a critical component of the Annual Plan decision making process.

“We thank all those who responded and will ensure we give their views full consideration as we deliberate on our final rate figure. It’s imperative that the ORC is efficient and fit for purpose and we work with our people to ensure a quality environment and strong resilient communities. Together we will get there,” he said.

Council will be considering the responses at its finance committee and annual plan deliberations meeting, which could run for two days.