Recent flooding and erosion on the lower south bank of the Waitaki River has led to a 40% increase in the Otago Regional Council's targeted rate.
Otago Regional Council's finance and corporate committee yesterday approved the increase, to be included in the draft annual plan.
The regional council rates the lower 30km of the south bank for funding towards the Lower Waitaki special rating district, which was administered and managed by Environment Canterbury.
However, the rating district had been under pressure from high flows and flooding.
To meet these pressures, the council had included a 5% rate increase in the draft annual plan.
Cr Duncan Butcher said the recent high flows had caused more erosion and damage, and the rating level for Otago property in the district was to be increased to $160,000 plus GST from $116,000.
Cr Doug Brown said the high flows over the summer had caused damage that would cost double the area's annual budget to repair.
Ratepayers were realistic about the situation and the need for the rate increase but, in the long term, a more sustainable model of river management and funding was needed.
Chief executive Graeme Martin said the increase dealt with the current problem but, if there was another flood in six to 12 months, more expenditure would be needed.
Environment Canterbury rated the district differently, with costs being spread over five years.
"This emphasises the need to rethink long term the strategy for how the river is managed."
There were also issues of encroachment on the river bed to deal with, he said.
A bylaw could be developed between the two councils to control river management in the area but it would need to be endorsed by the community.
