COUNCILS SUPPORT NEW JOINT AUTHORITY

Gosford and Wyong Councils will move ahead with plans for a new Central Coast Water Authority.

At a joint meeting of the two Councils this evening, the Councils discussed a proposal put forward by NSW Utilities Minister David Campbell in relation to a new-look water authority for the region.

While the Councils support the formation of a new authority, they will seek clarification from the Minister in relation to several key issues.

Wyong Mayor Bob Graham said the Councils had been asking the Government for a more streamlined authority for some time.

“The Councils welcome the prospect of a new-look water authority as it will help to streamline the decision-making process of the current water authority arrangements,” he said.

“However we do need to clarify issues such as membership of the new Board and the extent of Councils’ involvement, the new authority’s scope of work, and also the security of employment for current staff.

“We need to establish more clearly whether the new authority will just deal with headworks issues, ie the supply of our drinking water, or whether it will also incorporate water distribution and sewerage and drainage issues.

“This will have an impact on the overall management and direction of the authority, as well as the role of current staff employed by both Councils.”

Gosford Mayor Laurie Maher said the Councils would be seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Campbell in the next week or so.

“The Minister has indicated that he wishes to introduce legislation into State Parliament in the spring session of Parliament, which means within the next few months,” he said.

“However the two Councils are seeking clarification from the Minister to ensure the proposed legislation is in the best interests of the Central Coast community. We are really keen to see a draft of the new legislation before it is formally tabled.

“The two Councils will also seek their own corporate legal advice on the establishment of a formal constitution, a memorandum of understanding, a shareholders agreement, a statement of corporate intent and the articles of association.”

Media contacts:  Janet Saunders on 0438 191 328 (Gosford)           

                            Lisa McDermott on 4350 5705 (Wyong)