New blows in TasWater war

THE Local Government Association of Tasmania has again called on the State Government to release its legal advice about the proposed takeover of TasWater.

President Doug Chipman also renewed the association’s opposition to the takeover.

“TasWater has released their advice and now it is time for the Government to be equally transparent,” Ald Chipman said.

He said the association noted the Government had released two draft Bills related to its planned “hostile takeover” of TasWater.

“LGAT and its members will now take the time to thoroughly examine the Bill and prepare an analysis for the Legislative Council,” he said.

But he indicated he expected the Bill to be met with fierce resistance in the Upper House, which has strong links with the local government sector.

“We have great confidence that MLCs will see through this for what it is — a politically motivated stunt leading into an election,” Ald Chipman said.

Premier Will Hodgman said the plan for fixing the failing water and sewerage infrastructure would support growth in regional communities and help to create jobs.

“Our draft legislation for the takeover of TasWater will lock in cheaper prices, deliver better infrastructure and still guarantee payments to councils,” he said.

“Across the state, we will bring forward TasWater’s works program, addressing sooner issues that can hold back development or impact on our environment and on our brand.”

Mr Hodgman said the Government would ensure the necessary $2.19 million was spent at the Derwent Valley town of Maydena, which he said was set to become a tourist hot spot because of the planned summer opening of the Maydena Mountain Bike Park.

“Work is needed on the town’s sewerage treatment plant to ensure it meets standards and has the capacity to cope with growth and we will ensure the upgrade is completed a year earlier than TasWater currently intends,” he said.

The proposed TasWater takeover is expected to be a hot-button issue at this week’s Local Government Association’s annual conference at Wrest Point.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein will address the conference on the takeover, confronting representatives of the 23 councils that oppose it.