NSW Water Board changes studied

NSW Water Board changes studied

By Gail Lord

PENRITH — A public seminar organised by the Government Pricing Tribunal of NSW was held here on February 12 as part of the state government's plans for privatising the water supply. Other such forums have been held in Sydney and Liverpool.The meeting was poorly attended because of a 4 p.m. start and an inconvenient venue.

Representatives spoke on the behalf of the Water Board, EPA and the tribunal as well as residents, small business people and the environmental river group CHANGE.

Issues discussed included the quality of water, environmental protection and the user pays system. While it is claimed that community consultation is taking place, the user pays system has already been introduced by the Hunter Water Board, and 25-year leases are waiting to be signed to privatise water treatment in the Hunter, Illawarra and Prospect regions.

In Britain, the privatisation of water has increased costs for consumers by almost 50% over five years, and quality has declined.

Issues to be resolved include the pace of "reform", charges for stormwater and urban run-off, availability charges and whether new areas will pay more than old areas. Consumers should be worried that they might end up paying more for water than big companies — such changes being smuggled in along with necessary measures to increase recycling, reduce use and introduce improved technology.

The Water Board and the Pricing Tribunal will hold public meetings sometime around May after the annual and interim reports.

From GLW issue 89