Standing firm on water issue

Wyong Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to improving local water supply services for local residents and businesses.

Council also refutes any claims that it has changed its position on a preferred model for managing these services.

In March 2005 a joint meeting of the Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils resolved to recommend a preferred model for a Joint Services Entity.

This left direct ownership, control and operation of water, sewerage and drainage services and infrastructure with the two Councils.

Both Councils agreed to this model and the-then NSW Water Utilities Minister Frank Sartor agreed to prepare legislation to deliver this.

In September 2006, however, the next Water Utilities Minister David Campbell wrote to Council proposing a different model establishing a commercial Water Corporation which had responsibility for water supply, sewerage and drainage services.

In October 2006, Wyong Shire Council resolved to pursue the formation of a Central Coast Water Corporation but only to cover water supply headworks (bulk water) and to clarify this position with the Minister.

Minister Campbell, however, introduced his legislation into Parliament later that month.

Wyong Mayor Warren Welham said Council had remained consistent and firm on its preferences for a new Water Corporation model – under former Mayors Brenton Pavier and Bob Graham and also now Mayor Welham.

“Whatever you call it, a Joint Services Entity, a Corporation, or other authority or body, the concept remains the same,” he said.

“Wyong Council has always only ever asked for a separate body to manage bulk water – that is a body to source water from our rivers, store it in our dams, and treat it ready for use.

“Others may have changed their approach. Wyong has consistently remained on a steady path because we believe this will be in the best interests of the community.

“A separate bulk water service will streamline the current decision-making process and have minimal impact on the community.

“Taking all water, sewerage and drainage services out of Council hands and into a full-blown third bureaucracy will be a huge change for the community, will be extremely expensive to establish and will serve no real benefit in the short or long term.”

Read more about Council's stand on the water corporation

Media contact: Lisa McDermott - 0438 980 445

Page last updated: 31/01/2008