Tony Foster: Response to Treasurer, Peter Gutwein

TasWater Chief Owners Representative, Mayor Tony Foster has expressed disappointment at the coverage and reported comments from the Treasurer, Peter Gutwein in today’s Mercury Newspaper.

He has been quoted as saying TasWater needs to increase its borrowings more heavily to speed up the process of upgrading sewerage and water infrastructure.

Tony Foster says “following our recent meeting I had hoped that we could rise above petty politics”.

“In his letter to all Mayors following that meeting, the Treasurer agreed we should work together to fix this challenge for the future.”

“This included a commitment to work with us to talk to the Australian Government to leverage opportunities for investment for key long term infrastructure.”

Mayor Foster says “I got the impression the Treasurer was keen to engage the longer term challenges, rather than continuing to draw TasWater into the middle of the council merger and reform debate”

“As Chair of the Select Committee which investigated Water and Sewerage Reform in 2012, and led to the formation of TasWater, the Treasurer understands the challenges that need to be addressed.”

“For the future benefit of all Tasmanians, I hope that the Government continues to support TasWater getting on with the job of fixing our assets and we are all able to rise above the politics.”
TasWater Chief Owners Representative, Mayor Tony Foster