Huge rate rise to fund lakes clean-up

Ratepayers throughout the Rotorua district are being asked to help pay for the cleanup of the region's lakes.

Regional council Environment Bay of Plenty revealed this week it is planning to increase rates by an average of 26 per cent this year, largely to pay for lakes' projects.

And Rotorua District Council has also revealed plans for a special lakes' rate.

After a week of meetings to prioritise spending for the coming year, the district council has confirmed it intends to spend more than $40 million over the next 10 years on lakeside sewerage schemes.

While most of the cost of the schemes will fall on those in specific lakeside areas, all ratepayers will also pay a new $13 charge.

However, some councillors are concerned the special rate is only a token gesture.

Councillor Mike McVicker has accused the council of simply paying lip service to the issue. If it were serious about fixing the lakes it should be putting more money aside, he said.

Fellow councillor Mark Gould said the fee should be raised to $20, which would bring in about $175,000 extra a year.

Some ratepayers in the southern end of the district will be doubly hit. They will also have to pay a new $66 charge introduced by regional council Environment Waikato to help clean up Lake Taupo.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)