It’s nearly a year since a state of emergency was declared for the entire Canterbury region following unprecedented rainfall.

The May 2021 flooding sparked widespread evacuations, closed dozens of schools, turned paddocks into lakes and left major roads impassable.

It was also a sobering reminder that we need to be prepared for more of these kinds of extreme weather events and for other challenges associated with climate change.

These challenges will impact every Canterbury resident and lie at the heart of the key proposals in our draft Annual Plan 2022/23 consultation, which is open for submissions until 3 April.

Covering the cost

Flood recovery and protection is an essential item in the plan, as we review ways to fund our $12.2 million share of the costs stemming from the May 2021 event.

We are looking at borrowing this money over two years, with repayments met through a general rate. That means every ratepayer in the region would contribute to the cost, irrespective of where they live.

Our council believes this is the fairest approach, given events that impact crucial infrastructure such as state highways and rail, affect us all.

What do you think?

Like other councils, we need to respond faster to the climate emergency but doing so will require some bold actions.

Bus fare changes

I’d also love to hear your thoughts on our proposal to trial free or reduced fares for bus users.

In Christchurch city, transport is responsible for 54 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions – so we’ve put forward three options to encourage people to take the bus instead of their car.

Our preferred choice is a two-year trial of fare-free travel for under 25s, students, Total Mobility and Community Services card holders.

Modelling shows it would result in a 22 percent increase in bus users in the 2023/24 year and a 1360 tonne decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

The other options are a $2 flat fare or a tertiary student concession.

A levy for the future

We’re also gauging interest on a future levy to speed up action in response to climate change.

This could include funding projects or activities such as early warning or disaster preparedness systems, infrastructure development, native forest planting, or increasing electric vehicle use.

We are keen to hear now whether such a levy is something you would support for the future.

Have your say

We are proposing a 24.1 percent increase in total rates required to fund our spending for the year ahead, including work already committed to in the Long-Term Plan.

The increase for individual ratepayers would vary depending on factors such as the value of their property or specific work that is undertaken in their area.

I assure you, we consider all submissions in the decision-making process. Your feedback matters.

Of course, in considering these proposals we must balance the pressing need for action with cost.

How do you feel about paying more through your rates in the future to combat the effects of climate change, such as more frequent flooding? Are changes to bus fares something you’re on board with?

Find out more about these proposals and the ways to make a submission.

We must work together to plan for our region’s future, while navigating the challenges born from this climate emergency.

The time to act, is now.