| Access Provisions
for Local Government Water Services |
28 June 2001
The Water Directorate
recently sent all member councils a copy of the report "Access Provisions for Local Government
Water Services".
Over the last few years a number of serious issues have
arisen across the State in relation to the restrictive nature
of 'Power of Entry' provisions available to local councils
under the Local Government Act 1993.
The Water Directorate has been pursuing this issue for some
time now. The results of a survey conducted by the Water
Directorate in February 2000 indicated that some 80% of properties
were not adequately covered by easements for water supply
and sewerage and some 55% were not appropriately covered
by easements for sewerage.
The likely cost of creating easements across regional NSW
has been conservatively estimated at $1.275 billion for existing
services. This is a significant and unnecessary financial
burden placed upon regional local government.
The Water Directorate has received a comprehensive report
it commissioned on this issue. It is an excellent reference
document and rightly concludes that the powers previously
available to councils should be reinstated in the Local Government
Act 1993.
In March 2001, the Water Directorate made a formal submission
to the Department of Local Government. The LGSA provided
a letter of endorsement that was also forwarded with the
submission. The Department is currently considering the recommendations
contained in the report. As yet, no formal response has been
received.
A copy of the report has been sent to all member councils
for information and review. Also sent was a copy of a draft
report to council for your adaptation, as you consider appropriate.
The Water Directorate will continue to pursue an appropriate
resolution to this issue with the Department of Local Government
and we will endeavour to keep our member councils informed
of our progress.
For more information contact:
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