Support for water stance
As an ex-Aucklander I wish to support the Waikato Regional Council on its stand over the resource consent for more water. A background to my information is that from 1983 to 1992 I was a councillor at Papakura City/ District Council, being chairman of the works committee
1990-1992.
Before the amalgamation of Auckland councils in the late
80s, water was the responsibility of the regional council. Papakura had its own independent supply at Hays Stream. We were advised that Auckland needed future water supply and it was proposed a collection/dam in the north of Albany area and this was to be done by 2005. After the amalgamation all utilities became the responsibility of Watercare, which was made a CCO of Auckland Council.
As we now know this great organisation has done no planning for Auckland’s future and now wants the Government to bail them out and to use or rather abuse proposed legislation to get their way.
Questions need to be asked: Why did they close down Hays Stream water treatment plant in
2005, and only now consider reopening it?
Why are they not considering re using water discharge from Mangere and North Shore treatment plants, which is of potable standard?
Why are they not considering using water from Western Springs and Lake Pupuke?
It is time for Watercare to be brought back under direct control of Council and do away with these high paying staff leading it.
Trevor Green, Matamata