TasWater call to action | The Examiner | Launceston, TAS

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propertyHome/News/Federal ElectionTasWater call to actionBy Georgie BurgessJune 22 2016 - 7:24amBy Georgie BurgessJune 22 2016 - 7:24amFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyWater funding call to

action TasWater’s call to action for almost $2 billion worth of infrastructure is getting louder, with its chairman speaking out as the federal election campaign enters its final ten days.

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company wants the federal government to commit to $300 million to assist with water and sewerage upgrades across the state, which includes addressing the combined stormwater and sewage

system in Launceston.

TasWater chairman Miles Hampton says it's an “extraordinarily modest request”, and the company has a plan that includes increasing its debt to $800 million, increasing tariffs above

inflation and freezing dividends to councils. 

“Since water reform first happened in 2009, we have spent more than $600 million addressing infrastructure shortcomings and the core performance metrics have barely moved, indeed in some

cases gone backwards,” Mr Hampton said.

“Following a difficult year of infrastructure complications, water shortages and catastrophic floods,Tasmania’s dated water and sewerage systems have continued to struggle amid calls for a

multi-billion dollar upgrade.

These are extraordinarily modest requests given the nature of the task

- TasWater chairman Miles Hampton “These are extraordinarily modest requests given the nature of the task and if the commitments are forthcoming, TasWater can then get on with the plan to

address current shortcomings and most importantly Tasmanians can know we are working to a plan that will see our infrastructure fit for purpose within ten years,” he said.

TasWater wants the state government to chip in $10 million per year for ten years, and wants $30 million per year for ten years from the federal government.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the government had been working closely with Taswater and would continue to do so.

But he pointed out that the state had absorbed losses of $600 million in revenue and further support would need to be considered in that context.

A report funded by the Liberals is due out soon, and water and sewerage has been placed on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list.

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