This consultation is now closed for submissions.

Since the early 1990s, our principle approach to possum control has been the Self-Help Possum Control Programme. We are now considering delivering all possum control ourselves. If implemented, a new targeted rate would be created. Landowners in the self-help possum control programme would incur this new targeted rate.

We know this is a big change. We are proposing to maintain the self-help programme for now, while we undertake further discussions on bringing possum control in-house. However, we want to hear from you if you want us to act faster.

What are the issues?

Limiting possums to even lower numbers delivers better biodiversity benefits for the region, lower bovine tuberculosis risk (which possums carry) and reduces the amount of pasture eaten by possums.

The self-help programme is facing a number of challenges, for example, it is increasingly difficult and expensive for landowners to access the tools they need to control possums, there are limited contractors in the region to assist in control and landowners have an increasing number of other responsibilities that take away from possum control.

What are the options?

OPTION 1:
Possum control undertaken by landowners - investigate possum control in-house 		OPTION 2:
TRC undertakes possum control in-house
Description Maintain the existing self-help programme while further exploring bringing control in-house. We undertake all possum control.
Impact on costs In the first three years, this option will cost an additional $150k to implement.
Year 1: $0k, Year 2: $0k, Year 3: $150k 		In the first three years, this option will cost us $3.65m to implement.
Year 1: $150k, Year 2: $1.5m, Year 3: $2.0m
There will be ongoing costs at a similar level over the rest of the life of the LTP.
Impact on debt No impact on debt. No impact on debt.
Impact on rates For this issue, the funding would be by a new targeted rate applied to land in the self-help possum control programme. All expenditure would be funded by increasing this targeted rate. Establishing a new targeted rate will result in an amendment to the Revenue and Financing Policy in Year 3. For this issue, the funding would be by a new targeted rate applied to land in the self-help possum control programme. All expenditure would be funded by increasing this targeted rate. Establishing a new targeted rate will result in an amendment to the Revenue and Financing Policy.
Impact on service level No impact on service levels. No impact on service levels.