Heavy criticism of the Otago Regional Council's Taieri flood and drainage review has led Cr Duncan Butcher to defend the council's position during annual plan hearings yesterday.
The review, which forms a proposed amendment to the long-term council community plan, was initiated after requests from Taieri farmers and landowners during the past two annual plan submission processes.
Cr Butcher, the chairman of the hearing panel, said he believed the council had done what had been asked and put it out to the community.
"Now we've got it thrown it back at us. Now we're told the review is no good."
Yesterday, 15 Taieri farmers and landowners presented submissions opposing the review, which suggested changes to the way the area was rated for the flood and drainage works.
Most opposed the changes to the drainage rate but admitted they had not had the time to fully assess the impact of the proposed flood rate changes on their land.
Farmer Michael Lord said, while he admitted they had asked for the review, he was "deeply dissatisfied" with it.
The effect of a flood on homes and people's lives was greater than on a portion of farmland, but the review did not reflect that, he said.
Nor did it reflect the benefit the greater Dunedin got from the Taieri in terms of recreation and the economy.
"If you're not going to come up with better than that, stick with the status quo," he told the panel.
The drainage schemes would not have been possible without the co-operative spirit that saw the Taieri given flood protection and drainage, which landowners would not have been able to achieve alone.
"The simplicity of saying your ground is lower, therefore you gain the most, is ridiculous after all of the ditches have been dug and the banks put in place," Mr Lord said.
Farmer Colin Scurr said there had not been enough consultation on what was a very complicated system.
He asked the panel to postpone the review to allow more work to be done and an economic assessment of the benefits.
"It has to be fair and equitable."
Landowner Simon Parks, who spoke for himself and a group of farmers, said the timeframe given to the community to understand the review was too short and he was concerned the review had been "rushed through too quickly and not properly done".
He also believed the implementation of the review should be delayed for an economic assessment and consultation.
"We did ask for the review, but it's not really what we wanted."
Farmer Alan Scurr said the extra development occurring in East Taieri and around Gladstone Rd would increase requirements for drainage and those areas should also contribute to drainage rates.
Farmer Philip Wilson said the fair way to go was for everyone to pay an even share for drainage.
"Historically, farmers on the Taieri have acted co-operatively and I'd like to see that continue."
Pensioner Evan Sandler said he could face a 50% rate increase for his about 2ha block but was not convinced any of the flood and drainage works protected his property.
"I'm struggling now. I'm not in a position to pay."
Farmer Ian Bryant said the review redistributed rates from one ratepayer to another, with a huge effect.
Rating should be on a per-hectare basis and there should be a standard rate for all of the West Taieri, he said.
Rates for West Taieri drainage had increased 200% in the past five years and then to have another 40% increase for those in WD1 "hardly seemed fair for the same level of service".
ORC 2011-12 ANNUAL PLAN: Day 1
Where: Dunedin
Panel: Crs Duncan Butcher (chairman), Stephen Woodhead, David Shepherd, Louise Croot and Bryan Scott
Highlights:
• 2.5% general rate increase.
• Annual general charge increases to $12.81 from $12.70.
• Funding Leith Lindsay: 4 options presented.
• Review of Taieri flood and drainage schemes.
• Change to area transport rate collected from.
