Council stands firm on water

6 February 2008

Wyong Shire Council continues to maintain its stand on the NSW Government’s proposal for a Central Coast Water Corporation.

Back in March 2005 Wyong and Gosford Councils agreed to pursue a separate body to streamline decisions on sourcing bulk water into our dams.This still left direct ownership, control and operation of water sewerage and drainage services and infrastructure with the two councils.

The-then NSW Water Utilities Minister Frank Sartor agreed to prepare legislation to deliver this. But in September 2006 the next Water Utilities Minister David Campbell proposed a different model establishing a commercial Water Corporation responsible for water supply, sewerage and drainage services.

Wyong Council remained committed to a separate body which only sourced bulk water into our dams.But in October 2006 Minister Campbell introduced legislation to establish a new corporation for water, sewerage and drainage services.

Government backflips

While Wyong Council has remained consistent in its endeavours, the State Government has changed its approach on several fronts.

Similarly, in 2004 then Minister Frank Sartor said he would not impose a merger of water supply, sewerage and drainage functions on Wyong and Gosford Councils. However the current Minister Nathan Rees is now demanding the merger goes ahead.

Unions believe the Government cannot be trusted. Council is also concerned about the future of our local water supply, sewerage and drainage services.

Page last updated: 20/02/2008