Peter Gutwein caught out misrepresenting TasWater
Disgraceful treatment of local government as a political football
Ringarooma boiled water alert will be addressed well before Liberals would take over
Treasurer trying to deceive Tasmanians over bills and Launceston storm water
Treasurer Peter Gutwein’s dishonesty was on display in Parliament this morning.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said councils and TasWater have every right to be furious over the way they were treated by the Treasurer.
“Peter Gutwein brandished a glass of water from Ringarooma as proof of his plan to take over TasWater,” Mr Green said.
“The Treasurer knows the boiled water alert in Ringarooma is due to be lifted this year, whether the Liberals take over TasWater or not.
“Under the Liberals’ plan nothing happens until the middle of 2018 at the earliest.
“Peter Gutwein is falsely painting himself as a hero as he tries to turn people against TasWater.
“The TasWater website clearly explains the Ringarooma situation will be rectified this year.
“TasWater is working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to identify conditions that will enable the boil water alert to be lifted. Work is continuing on the Ringarooma Valley Treated Water Scheme with fully treated water to be available in 2017.” https://www.taswater.com.au/ArticleDocuments/406/Ringarooma%20BWA%20permanent%20July%202016.pdf.aspx
“The Treasurer is also wrong when he claims bills will go down. That’s simply not true. The Government’s own policy includes a 3.5% increase.
“He’s also proposing to set those prices himself – removing the role of the independent regulator.
“And the Government’s approach does not address Launceston’s storm water problem.
“Labor wants to stop raw sewage flowing into the Tamar and has a strategy that can complete the project.
“We’ll address the three big water and sewerage issues holding back Tasmania’s economy – Launceston, Macquarie Point and Cameron Bay to enable Mona stage 2.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
