Cantabrians are about to have the opportunity to discuss their regional council's 10 year plan

Environment Canterbury is proposing a 24-point-two percent rates hike, to fund a 346-million dollar package for the first year.

It's the largest proposed average rise in the country.

Public hearings are taking place at the Council Chamber in Christchurch from today.

More than 13-hundred submissions were made, with almost 190 indicating they would like to speak to the council at the hearings.