"We are not the Community Trust of Otago," council annual plan hearing chairman Duncan Butcher told submitters yesterday.
At hearings in Dunedin, 23 groups and individuals made submissions in person on the regional council's 2010-11 draft annual plan. Of those, about four were seeking funding.
Two groups asked for regional council support for projects related to the Gabriel's Gully Gold Rush 150th celebrations next year.
The Tuapeka Community Board was seeking $9000 for a walkway linking Lawrence with Gabriel's Gully, which the board hoped to have finished by March in time for the celebrations.
Lawrence Incorporated, organiser of the gold rush celebration, wanted $30,000 to assist with the management of the four-day event.
However, the hearing panel instructed the group to have another look at its application and come back with something "tangible" the council could support.
Cr Stephen Woodhead said such funding was outside the council's "core role".
Cr Michael Deaker said the significance of the event was not lost on councillors, but to put funding towards it, a more lasting investment was needed.
The Lake Waihola-Waipori Wetlands Society was seeking $15,000 to $30,000 over three years towards its weed control programme, or an "in-kind" contribution, such as the eradication of the alders on the shores of Lake Waipori, which had been costed at $16,000.
Society chairman David Vollweiler said the alders could pose a threat to the biodiversity of the area and increase the risk of flooding.
The Otago Natural History Trust sought up to $64,000 for biodiversity protection, structural development and the development of a new track at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
Corporate finance director Wayne Scott said while the council had contributed to the start up costs of the ecosanctuary, it was council policy to keep out of operational funding.
Otago Natural History Trust chairman Neville Peat said construction of the "premier track" and a new shed were capital costs.
The hearings committee adjourned the hearings to consider the 108 submissions made to the draft plan.
