Tasmanian councils are fighting to retain control of TasWater.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein has announced plans for the Government to take control of TasWater – which is currently council-owned - in 2018.

Mr Gutwein says the takeover will lead to faster water and sewerage upgrades, as towns continue to struggle with unsuitable drinking water.

Hobart City Council has joined a growing chorus of local governments rejecting the Government’s proposal, and this week says its stance is vindicated by an official report.

An independent report (PDF) from the Bureau of Meteorology - National Performance Report of Urban Water Utilities - has rated TasWater as a best performer with the lowest bills and the highest investment per property for upgrades. 

“With 11 percent of Tasmania's significant water and sewerage assets in our municipal area servicing a major urban population, with the lowest bills and Taswater's investment in infrastructure, it's in our ratepayers' best interests to keep TasWater in local government ownership,” said Hobart alderman Dr Eva Ruzicka.

“With the Treasurer's lack of clarity over future financial promises, it's clear it has all been about short term political gains in the run up to the State election.

“The independent report is valuable evidence for Council in any discussions with the Treasurer and the Legislative Council over the actual details of his takeover proposal, especially as the government commentary to date seems to indicate ratepayers will just end up with more future debt to pay back,” she said.

Tasmania’s Brighton Council voted unanimously to oppose the State Government takeover of TasWater this week.

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster claimed Mr Gutwein was acting in favour of the Property Council and other vested interest groups.

“Mr Gutwein has long been doing the bidding of the Property Council in attacking local government and his grab for TasWater is simply a continuation of this,” Cr Foster said.

“While he has provided no substance to back up his plan, nor said how the infrastructure upgrading work can be completed in a reduced timeframe or explained how costs will be reduced, the truth is TasWater will be saddled with debt to the point where it will be unsustainable and Tasmanian ratepayers will pay substantially more.

“The Treasurer is rapidly becoming the Donald Trump of Tasmanian politics. He makes outlandish claims, has no facts to back them up, bullies and berates opponents and has absolutely no respect for the truth.”