Labor’s position on water and sewerage, as outlined yesterday, would mean upgrades to water and sewerage infrastructure would be slower and water and sewerage bills for all Tasmanians would be higher.
They are the simple facts.
Not only that, their bizarre plan to privatise parts of Hobart and Launceston’s sewerage systems would drive prices even higher.
From the scant detail that Labor has revealed, it seems Labor want to bring in union-owned superannuation funds as part of a private venture to invest in three projects only - Macquarie Point, Cameron's Bay, and the Launceston combined system. The rest of the projects around the State won't be sped up, because to Labor, moving the Macquarie Point facility is more important than upgrading water and sewerage infrastructure right across the State.
Worse, as even the inexperienced leader Ms White has now been forced to admit, "consumers will pay" for this, leading to possible price hikes of up to 18 percent in their water and sewerage bills.
Never have I seen a clearer case of Labor putting the needs of themselves and their union mates ahead of the concerns of Tasmanians.
In contrast, our Plan is fair for consumers, fair for councils, and fair for all Tasmanians. It will deliver better infrastructure sooner and at a lower cost to Tasmanians.