By JONATHON HOWARD
CAPTION: A new path is needed for Queensland water services, says water strategy paper.
QUEENSLAND’S water services need better planning, lighter-handed regulations and business sustainability, according to community feedback on the Queensland Government’s 30 Year Water Strategy discussion paper.
Professional recognition, empowering customers, pricing and hardship concessions and improving energy and water efficiency were also issues raised from more than 100 submissions and 3,000 views of the Department of Energy and Water Supply website on the future of Queensland’s water sector.
Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said submissions were received from 13 regional councils, four regional development groups and eight environmental organisations as well as various community groups.
Mr McArdle released the Queensland Water Sector Paper in December, inviting stakeholders and the community to share their ideas on shaping the state’s water future.
“’The discussion paper was designed to create a new path for Queensland’s water services, ensuring affordable, secure, sustainable and high quality water and sewerage services in urban, rural, regional and remote communities,” Mr McArdle said.
“The submissions received related to a number of key issues for local governments, research organisations, environmental groups and water and sewerage service providers as well as community members.
“Our water vision cannot be achieved by government alone, and the submissions received from these groups will now be incorporated into developing a 30-year strategy.
“The Newman Government is committed to lowering the cost of living and proper planning is crucial to developing future water and sewerage services, given their cost impact on households, businesses, local governments and community groups.”
“The draft 30-year Water Strategy is now being finalised for further engagement and consultation in the coming months, prior to a final strategy being released in early 2014.”
