Whakatane District Council is investigating whether or not its disaster mitigation policy is fair as it explores ways to pay for 2010-11 flood damage.

The council received many submissions during its annual plan consultation period requesting the cost of mitigation works be spread across the whole district – not one specific area.

A digger works at fixing a broken bank during the August 2010 flooding in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Policy manager Julie Gardyne says the area receiving disaster mitigation works pays for 50 percent of the capital costs, with the remainder paid through district-wide rates.

'The original policy was established in 2006, with split charges between the catchment, community and the wider district,” says Julie.

The theory behind the original plan is the amount paid by the community should reflect the level of benefit they receive from the works.

'The policy review will align with the same objectives and direction set through the overall rates review.

'The community will be asked to provide feedback on the disaster mitigation policy during the long term plan consultation period next year.”