The Tasmanian Government has tabled legislation before State Parliament that will establish a single, statewide water and sewerage corporation.

 

State Minister for Finance, Scott Bacon, said the bill would allow for key reform of Tasmania’s water and sewerage businesses.

 

"We have been working hard with Local Government, as the owners of the water corporations, to develop legislation that will deliver a single, statewide entity," Mr Bacon said.

 

"The Bill tabled today is a reflection of the hard work and commitment from both local councils and the Tasmanian Government to progressing this important reform and delivering sustainable water and sewerage services across Tasmania."

 

Mr Bacon said the creation of a one entity had the potential to deliver benefits across the State.

 

"Establishing a single corporation can ensure statewide infrastructure planning, consistency in service delivery, streamlined governance arrangements between council owners and the new Corporation and opportunities for cost savings," he said.

 

"We have been working collaboratively with Local Government to establish the new corporation, with the target date of 1 July 2013 for the new single corporation to commence full operations.

 

"The Tasmanian Government's preference has always been for the establishment of a single body, and this bill enables that to take place."

 

Mr Bacon said the bill would transfer the assets, liabilities and employees of the existing water and sewerage businesses - Ben Lomond Water, Cradle Mountain Water, Southern Water and Onstream - to the new Corporation.

 

"This allows a sufficient implementation period and reduces the period of uncertainty for employees and customers as much as possible."