Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) proposed 2023-24 Annual Plan will bring a 22.6 per cent rate increase on the previous year if approved in its current form. 

Much of the increase is attributed to inflationary pressure and the commitment of more financial resources toward emergency management that were added in year two of the Long Term Plan (LTP). 

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A range of increases is also associated with science, air policy, and safety and resilience activity.

OCR interim chief executive Dr Pim Borren wants the public to get involved in the council’s process for the annual plan, which provides ratepayers with a picture of the council’s work programme for the coming year and how much that programme will cost.

“Our work in flood protection and emergency management needs to be fit for purpose especially given the types of events we are now seeing globally, with Cyclone Gabrielle a very good example,” Pim said.

“Obviously, people need their lives and assets protected, but private insurance markets are beginning to look closely at risk, and we need to provide confidence that we are helping mitigate that risk.”

The document is open for public submission and feedback until April 14, and following any changes will be presented to councillors for approval at the May OCR meeting.

The public can provide feedback through two brief online surveys.

The council sets the annual plans for each financial year to review the work programme and funding set out in the 10-year LTP.