Council focused on securing a sewerage solution for North Rothbury at IPART NSW public hearing

Cessnock City Council focused on a solution oriented approach at today’s public hearing into prices for Hunter Water from 1 July 2020-21 held by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW (IPART).  

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent advocated for the residents of North Rothbury and other villages across the Cessnock Local Government Area that do not have sewerage services.  

Mayor, Cr Pynsent was clear there needs to be a planned approach by the NSW Government and Hunter Water to address the backlog that currently exists across the state when it comes to sewerage services.  

“We need to work together to come up with an approach that is equitably funded for those who are missing out on this basic service. It’s evident the existing mechanism will not allow for the backlog to be addressed. It’s also overwhelmingly clear that our residents should not be asked to pay a hefty bill to secure a sewerage service. ”  

“I thank IPART and Hunter Water for providing the opportunity to raise issues at the public hearing regarding their decision to remove the Environmental Improvement Charge that previously allowed costs for delivering backlog sewerage services to be shared across all wastewater users in the lower Hunter. Council believes in North Rothbury’s case that the user pays model is not equitable. The idea that a resident would have to pay $63,000 per property to get sewerage connected is incomprehensible.”   

“We now have an opportunity to come up with a better approach. Council will continue to work with you on this and on behalf of our residents to get a positive outcome.”  

Following the public hearing IPART will release a draft report in March 2020. For more information visit www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Water/Reviews/Metro-Pricing/Prices-for-Hunter-Water-Corporation-from-1-July-2020.