Three Waters Reform Programme - Message from the Mayor
With today's announcement to mandate the Three Waters Reform Programme, Council is extremely disappointed that the Government have felt the need to take this approach. As a Council, we’re doing everything within our capability to ensure the best outcome for our ratepayers.
As it stands, the reform will not take place quickly and we’ll be working with the Government during this transition period. It’s important to note, Council still holds a view that we are extremely concerned over the data that has been presented and the Government’s interpretation of it. Following today’s decision, the Government need to be reminded that the servicing of such a large amount of nationwide debt, as has been stated through these proposals, still fall back on the ratepayer and taxpayer - of course which are one and the same.
This is a very significant decision by the Government made without any formal consultation with the ratepayers and no consideration of the majority feedback from councils wanting more information on the governance and ownership structure of the proposed entities, despite being urged to slow the process down.
This decision spells the end of localism, along with health, education and soon, resource management and planning and leaves me feeling nervous about the future health and wellbeing of Council, the community and ultimately the country.
With the mandate now clear, you may be wondering what this will mean for you, Council and the Waimate District. Currently, your services will not change and it remains very much business as usual. We are continuing to press ahead with our planned three waters upgrades and any debt that is incurred as a result of these upgrades will be transferred across to the new water entity, as proposed under the reform, in due time. Longer term, any changes, or likely changes will be publicised well prior to anything taking place and we’ll certainly keep you up to date and informed with the reform proposals as they progress.
Despite this announcement, the reform is very much still up in the air with a myriad of unanswered questions yet to be worked through, including the eventual outcome should there be a change of Government at the next general election.
If you, too, are disappointed in the Government’s announcement today, write a letter to your local MP and make your views clear.
Craig Rowley
MAYOR