As TasWater begins its third year of operations, the company has finalised its Corporate Plan for the next three years.
Chairman of the TasWater Board Miles Hampton says “the Corporate Plan lays out a targeted programme of investment intended to drive better customer outcomes, improve compliance of water and sewerage infrastructure and significant economic benefits for the state.”
“I am also pleased the new Corporate Plan has been fully endorsed by our Owner Councils following a meeting with local government representatives earlier this week.”
Brighton Mayor, Tony Foster, who is the Chairman of the Owners Representative Group says “councils across the state have welcomed the new TasWater Corporate Plan and offer a vote of confidence in TasWater. Not only for its work over the last two years but we are looking forward to the ongoing management of water and sewerage services into the future.”
Tony Foster says “while the process of water and sewerage industry reform has been at times difficult, there is now clear evidence of the benefits extending across the Tasmanian community.”
Coming after the determination of a second Price and Service Plan by the Economic Regulator, the new Corporate Plan does face challenges given our preferred pricing mechanism was significantly adjusted by the Regulator.
Miles Hampton says “this has forced TasWater to review plans and re-assess our trajectory. But while it may constrain our rate of performance improvement, we will continue to build on the progress made so far.”
The Corporate Plan sets out to achieve water and sewerage pricing parity across the state and cost savings due to productivity improvements totalling $11 million since formation.
The number of towns experiencing water quality below Australian Drinking Water Guidelines will drop from 26 to eight, and the number of non-compliant water storage dams down to five from 13.
TasWater will commit $330 million over the next three years on capital spending programmes, delivering significant employment and economic benefits, state wide.
Our development framework with no headwork charges where existing capacity exists, will also act as a key driver of economic activity. A reduction in sewerage spills impacting on the shell fish industry also remains a key target.
Miles Hampton says “while this Corporate Plan spans the next three years, at TasWater we are looking much further ahead.”
“We will use the period to further develop our understanding of how Tasmania’s $640 million backlog of essential infrastructure upgrades will impact on the delivery of a sustainable and affordable water and sewage system.”
Miles Hampton says “a full review of our current regulatory framework and the sourcing of external funding options will be necessary if we are to address this shortfall in infrastructure. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to build an affordable, fit for purpose and compliant water and sewerage system, and I believe with the backing of our local government owners this can be achieved.”
Chairman of the TasWater Board Miles Hampton
