After an initial flurry, feedback to Whakatāne District Council, on the Government’s Three Waters Reform proposal has slowed.
Whakatāne District Council is calling for the community to provide feedback on the Three Waters Reform proposal by 17 September to help shape its response to Government, which needs to be provided by 1 October.
“I’d like to thank those who have participated so far, and encourage others to go to our website to read the background documents and provide feedback,” says Whakatāne District Mayor Judy Turner.
“Council has identified an initial list of concerns and opportunities it sees arising from the proposals. We’re asking people to provide feedback on those and to identify other aspects of the proposal that they think we should be talking to Government about.”
Information provided by the Government about the Reforms and links to other sources of information is available at whakatane.govt.nz/three-waters-reform. Interested people can complete the online feedback form. Feedback can also be emailed directly to ThreeWatersReform@whakatane.govt.nz
ENDS
Background:
The government is currently proposing significant changes to the delivery of three waters (stormwater, wastewater and drinking water) including the creation of four publicly-owned entities to deliver these services. One of these entities would provide Three Waters services to the Whakatāne district and 21 other local council areas encompassing Thames-Coromandel, Hamilton, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Waikato, Waipa, Waitomo, South Waikato, Stratford, Taupō, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Ōpōtiki, Kawerau, Rotorua Lakes, New Plymouth, Ōtorohanga, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu, South Taranaki and Whanganui.
Currently local councils own and operate those services. The Government is proposing that there are benefits and efficiencies in transferring that responsibility and the assets to four new entities.
Council is thoroughly testing the information it has been provided by central government, and independent review of that material, and identifying any issues, concerns or opportunities.
Council is not required in the timeframe to make a decision as to whether Council is ‘for or against’ the proposed changes. It is required to provide feedback to Government by 1 October.