Published Mercury Newspaper
TasWater’s proposed 11.5 percent annual increases have been cut back to 5.7 per cent a year for the next four years. That’s a significant reduction but it will still hit households and small businesses.
The average household will pay about $80 more next year, while small businesses face increases over $170. At a time when costs are already rising, this is another cost increase households and businesses have to absorb.
There is no question Tasmania’s water and sewerage infrastructure needs investment. Ageing assets and system failures are real risks that must be addressed.
But when people are being asked to pay more, there must be confidence that the money is being spent wisely on essential infrastructure, not inefficiency or dividends to councils.
Tasmanians understand the need for investment. What they expect in return is discipline, transparency and value for money.
Edwin Johnstone
Chair, Business Greater Hobart
