Rates are set to rise so the Hawke's Bay Regional Council can create a million dollar environmental fund.
This was discussed at a council meeting today. While the regional economy was "booming", there were big environmental challenges and council faced difficult choices with its limited resources, a consultation document stated.
So, the council was proposing a one off rates increase to create a $1million "environmental kick start fund to accelerate action on our hot-spots".
These "hot-spots" were identified as Lake Tutira, Ahuriri Estuary, Whakaki Lake and Wairoa River, Lake Whatuma and the Tukituki catchment, Karamu stream and biodiversity.
The council has recently stated its intent to focus on its core responsibilities - rather than fund other projects.
A paper before council stated to create this environmental fund, the rate level would need to be increased over the level included in the Long Term Plan - of 5.51 per cent.