Councillors will hear submissions to the council’s long term plan in both Dunedin and Queenstown, using Zoom. More than 560 written submissions were made on the plan, which proposes a preferred rates rise of 47.5% in the first year and a general rates increases of 73.2% in 2021-22. The regional council also specifically asked residents for feedback on how it should assist with pest control, restore Lake Hayes, and balance its budget. The Queenstown-Lakes District Council, however, submitted the regional council should use a general rates offset to smooth the increase instead of the increase. The new long term plan 2021-31 will come into effect on July 1.molly.houseman@odt.co.nz

Source: Otago Daily Times May 19, 2021 14:37 UTC