Tasmanian ratepayers could be hit with significantly higher water and sewerage charges following Peter Gutwein’s push to force TasWater to borrow more for infrastructure upgrades.
Mr Green said Mr Gutwein has given no thought to the massive impact on the State’s nearly 270,000 ratepayers.
“The equation is simple, Peter Gutwein’s ill-conceived borrowing strategy equals more pain for Tasmanian ratepayers.
“We’re talking about TasWater taking on nearly $4000 in debt for every rateable property in Tasmania.
“Even if TasWater was to borrow an additional $1 billion, that would still fall well short of what is required.
“TasWater has revealed it could need to borrow as much as $2 billion.
“Little wonder Mr Gutwein’s ill-informed proposition has been so quickly and comprehensively rubbished.
“Mr Gutwein is trying to hide the fact that water and sewerage didn’t even rate a mention in the Budget.
“Yet when Labor put forward its plan for water and sewerage infrastructure it was dismissed by Mr Gutwein as a thought bubble.
“Labor recognises the task ahead which is why we would immediately direct Infrastructure Tasmania to engage with TasWater to indentify priority water and sewerage upgrades and seek Commonwealth support.
“Peter Gutwein picking a fight with TasWater to make up for his own shortcomings will not fix Tasmania’s water and sewerage problems.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
