TASWATER will ask the state and federal governments to stump up a combined $400 million for water and sewerage infrastructure across Tasmania, including sewerage upgrades for Launceston.
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With $1.8 billion worth of investments required across the state, TasWater has asked the federal government to contribute $300 million to the plan over 10 years, with a further $100 million needed from the state government.
Members of TasWater’s owners representatives group voted on Thursday to ask their respective councils to agree to an extended freeze on distributions, which would mean Tasmanian councils would forgo about $80 million over the next decade.
Local Government Association of Tasmania president Doug Chipman said the priorities would be to remove boil water notices from Tasmanian towns, and to upgrade sewerage treatment plants, such as Launceston’s.
“This is a proposal for $1.8 billion worth of infrastructure rolled out over the next ten years, and what local government are saying through TasWater is they’re prepared to do their heavy lifting, but they need about $400 million worth of support from state and federal governments to achieve that,” he said.
“If state and federal governments throw that into the equation councils are willing to consider a freeze on dividends in order to roll out some vital infrastructure, including Tamar River revamp, including getting rid of boil water alerts … as well as greatly improving environmental outcomes of water and sewerage services.
“It’s too big of a job for us to do alone.”
It’s too big of a job for us to do alone.
- LGAT president Doug Chipman
TasWater’s owners representative group said the program of infrastructure upgrades would also provide a major jobs stimulus, particularly through the engineering and construction phase.
Owners representative group chairman David Downie said it was important that local government put its “best foot forward” and voiced its desire to see TasWater’s infrastructure plans supported as the federal election campaign begins.
“If implemented, the plan will provide substantial environmental benefits and stimulate the economy throughout Tasmania,” he said.
“It would also reduce pressure on water and sewerage price increases for consumers as, instead of expensive band-aid solutions, infrastructure could be fixed properly once and for all.”
Cr Chipman said TasWater and its predecessors had already spent close to $600 million on infrastructure upgrades.
“Investment in critical community infrastructure has been identified as a priority for Local Governments nationally and in Tasmania,” he said.
“Infrastructure Australia identified Tasmanian sewerage infrastructure upgrades as one of five key priorities for Tasmania.”
