The Hodgman Government is determined to takeover TasWater so that we can invest more in crumbling water and sewerage infrastructure and keep prices lower for consumers.
Over the past few months, we have been inundated with feedback from the community who are sick and tired of third world infrastructure. We have heard from businesses that are being forced by TasWater to make costly upgrades. We have heard calls for change from nearly every single major stakeholder group in Tasmania.
The calls are overwhelming and it’s important that the Legislative Council Inquiry into TasWater hears your concerns.
There is just one week left to make a submission to the Inquiry and now is the time for Tasmanians unhappy with TasWater to stand up and have their voice heard.
The Government has a plan to fix TasWater’s crumbling infrastructure faster, while delivering lower prices for Tasmanians, and ensuring that Council rates don’t rise.
Our plan will establish TasWater as a Government Business Enterprise, meaning it will be fully accountable to the Parliament and to all Tasmanians, not the 29 separate Council owners as is currently the case.
And under the proposed laws we’ve introduced into Parliament TasWater can't be privatised.
Under our Plan, prices will be lower than currently projected, saving average Tasmania households up to $550 over the next six years.
And, as promised, returns to Councils are locked in at the current rates until 2024-25, and after that, Councils will get 50 percent of all future profits - that is, a completely risk-free return to spend as they wish.
In contrast, the legislation makes it clear that the Government's 50 per cent share of any future profits will be reinvested and spent on either improving water and sewerage infrastructure, or putting further downward pressure on prices.
It’s easy to make a submission. All you have to do is outline your experience with TasWater, whether or not you support the Government’s plan to take over TasWater and whether you would like the chance to talk to the Committee in person to discuss your submission. Submissions can be emailed to two@parliament.tas.gov.au or posted to:
TasWater Inquiry
Parliament of Tasmania
Parliament House
Hobart 7000
Background information on the Parliamentary Committee is available here - http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/Council/LC%20Select%20-%20TasWater.html
More Media Releases from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier