Horizons staff are putting in a bit of work, with most being done by the paid consultants.
Regional councillors agreed to the $230,000 funding when the action plan began and there was no time to consult ratepayers, he said.
The council resolved to review its commitment at the next opportunity.
That ratepayer consultation is happening now, in response to Horizons' annual plan.
Council chairman Bruce Gordon said ratepayers had given Horizons strong support for its involvement so far.
Mr McCartney said there was a perception regional councils existed to protect the environment, but their real business was sustainable natural resource management.
"Sustainability implies use, and use links to economics."
As local authorities they were charged with looking after the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of region people.
There was no law directing them to be pro-active in economic development. But work such as pest control and river management 50 per cent of their "$50 million business", was necessary to maintain the prosperity of people in this rural region.
The requirement to protect the environment kicked in only when resources were under pressure, Mr McCartney said.
The council's big picture understanding of regional resources was useful for economic development, and a resource in itself.
"Our information is a strong resource. We need to keep that going."