A proposal to set up a new service company for the Ruataniwha Scheme opened for public consultation yesterday.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is asking for public input on the proposal from its investment company, Hawke's Bay Regional Investment Company Ltd (HBRIC Ltd), to establish a new Council Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO).
The CCTO would carry out operational work on the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme under a services agreement with the Ruataniwha Water Limited Partnership. (The council CCTO is referred to as "ServiceCo" but will be renamed on its formation.)
The principal responsibilities of the proposed ServiceCo were to provide an operational site for the Ruataniwha Scheme and secure all required land, ensure all resource consent requirements and obligations for the scheme are implemented, including various liaison groups, management plans and mitigation works.
It would also market and execute new water user agreements, establish billing and invoice processes and deliver technical operating and maintenance services.
