What does this mean for you?

Public transport fare reductions
Council has adopted a combination of two of the three options presented in the draft Annual Plan to effectively target our goals of emissions reduction and social equity. This will involve a flat fare structure, leading to a fare reduction for all bus users.

Flood recovery
Because of the regional significance of the May 2021 flood, Government has committed to co-fund about $7.5 million of the total $20 million required for flood recovery. We will fund our share by borrowing $12.2 million to fund the recovery costs. This will be repaid by general rates over a 10- year term.

Flood protection costs in Ashburton
If you live in the Ashburton River/Hakatere rating district, part of your rates bill goes towards maintenance of the flood protection scheme. We will restructure the rating classes, reducing the number of classes from 13 to 6, and including some properties that receive protection from flooding but don’t currently contribute. The changes will more accurately reflect the benefits to residents of the flood and erosion protection.