Long-term Plan
Investing in flood protection infrastructure
Southland’s flood protection infrastructure has served us well in recent decades, but it is ageing (30+ years old) and this, coupled with more enduring and severe weather due to a changing climate, is putting it under pressure. Over time, these challenges may reduce the infrastructure’s level of protection and investment is needed to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
Proposed approach
Due to the challenges of Southland’s ageing flood protection network and a changing climate resulting in more severe and enduring weather events we are proposing increased and ongoing investment in the region’s flood protection infrastructure and river management to increase community resilience.
Preferred option
Increase operating expenditure by $2.3m per annum to be funded by a proposed new Flood Protection Infrastructure Rate (see Revenue and Financing Policy Statement of Proposal).
This proposal would result in an average rates increase of $22 a year for a Southland property valued at $450k; $239 for a property valued at $5m.
Tell us what you think
Do you support our preferred option or do you have another view? We want to hear from you. Click here to provide your feedback through our consultation portal.
Changing how we rate - Revenue and Financing Policy
The Revenue and Financing Policy Statement of Proposal is presented at a time when we are seeing the impacts of more severe weather conditions. Flooding is Southland’s most common natural hazard and the devastating consequences of the floods in the North Island show how people and critical infrastructure can be affected well beyond the immediate river catchment area.
Proposed changes
Create one Flood Protection Infrastructure Rate based on capital value for all ratepayers to replace 140 targeted rates to pay for improved flood mitigation, including and repayment of debt for new flood infrastructure, and move the Biosecurity and Land Sustainability rating basis from land value to capital value.
Fit-for-purpose flood protection
These proposals would provide for better allocation of the cost of maintaining and improving our investment in infrastructure to maintain a fit-for-purpose flood protection network, and implementing the Regional Pest Management Plan and Fiordland Marine Regional Pathway Management Plan.
Tell us what you think
Do you support our preferred option or do you have another view? We want to hear from you. Click here to provide your feedback through our consultation portal.
