Let’s get on with it

The Property Council of Australia today encouraged the Legislative Council to efficiently deal with the Ownership of TasWater via a Select Committee.

Executive Director Brian Wightman said that the Tasmanian Division would support the legislation tabled today in the House of Assembly and encouraged all stakeholder to express their view via a submission to the inquiry.

“The proposed ownership of TasWater is a significant reform measure which should be dealt with in an efficient and timely manner.

“The Legislative Council Select Committee should move quickly to review the ownership model and the legislation.

“It would be extremely disappointing if the legislation was blocked prior to the State Election and would be a terrible outcome for Tasmania and for TasWater customers,” he said.

The Tasmanian Division reminded Tasmanians of the challenges that we face regarding an ageing and neglected water and sewerage system in the state.

“It’s difficult to understand why some leaders in the community refer to this reform as a confected crisis when just one of our 78 Water and Sewerage Treatment Plants in Tasmania is deemed compliant.

When you combine this with the fact that the Margaret Street pump station spilled raw effluent into the Tamar Estuary 913 times in 2015, and we still have Tasmanians towns on boiled water alrets and do not consume notices, if this isn’t a reason to act with haste, we’re not sure there is one.

“The 2008 reforms should be completed in full,” he said.

Mr Wightman encouraged the local government sector to reconsider their position for the good for all Tasmanians.

“Councils should grasp this opportunity with both hands.  They will retain their cherished dividends and not have to spend another cent on the infrastructure that they neglected so badly and failed to upkeep during the last century,” he said.

Media contact:  Brian Wightman  |E  [email protected]