Councils unite for water reform

Posted 16 April 2008

AlburyCity has unanimously supported a model for water reform that will be presented to the Armstrong-Gellatly Water Inquiry in Griffith on 6 May.

The model has been prepared by the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) after extensive consultation with its 18 member Councils. The Executive Officer of RAMROC Mr Ray Stubbs said that the model will hopefully have the unanimous support of all 18 Councils.

The model is based on the premise that water and sewerage assets and day to day operations will remain with the individual councils, but that there will be an overarching entity that will be responsible to the state government for strategic planning, infrastructure provision and ensuring the highest environmental and health standards for all of the water supply and sewerage services throughout the region.

At the same time, ownership of assets and maximum day to day management and control would be retained at the local level.

Mr Stubbs said the RAMROC model aims to fully address all of the terms of reference of the NSW State Government, whilst ensuring that the financial sustainability of councils in the long term is assured and that Councils will be able to retain their existing employment in country communities.

“Whilst the preferred position of all councils throughout the state is to retain the status quo, it is evident that the State Government is seeking substantial reform,” Mr Stubbs said. “However, the Government has clearly stated that rationalisation of the water and sewerage industry in NSW is required. It is concerned that some Councils do not have adequate expertise and resources to provide first class services to their communities.’

The RAMROC model is a co-operative alliance at a local level which will address the Government’s concerns.