Ratepayers to foot clean-up bill

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

Regional council Environment Bay of Plenty revealed this week that it will increase rates an average 26 per cent this year, largely to pay for lake projects.

And the 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 decade on lakeside sewerage schemes.

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

But some councillors said the special rate was only a token gesture.

Mike McVicker said if the council was serious about fixing the lakes it should put more money aside.

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

Ratepayers in the southern end of the district will be doubly hit. They also have to pay a $9 regional council charge to help clean up Lake Taupo.

- NZPA