Tasmania Water Reform Explained

Why the reform was needed

Tasmania has 14% of Australia’s total water resource offering a significant competitive advantage. We must ensure that we make the best use of this valuable resource, and avoid the crises experienced in mainland Australia.

Tasmania’s water and sewerage reform is working to secure the long term sustainability of our water resources and ensure that social, health and environmental issues in all communities are addressed to ensure a prosperous future.

This forward planning that is being undertaken by the State and Local Governments creates enormous opportunity for all Tasmania’s.

Early this year legislation was passed, the Water and Sewerage Act 2008 which deals with the required structural reform and the Water and Sewerage Industry Act 2008 which deals with the necessary regulatory reform.

The passing of both the Water and Sewerage Corporations and Industry Bills is a significant milestone for the sector. Both Bills passed unanimously through the Legislative Council demonstrating the importance of this reform.

Legislation to build a better future
The State Government has introduced legislation with the support of Local Government that establishes new water and sewerage corporations and an enhanced regulatory system.

The legislation establishes:
3 regional water and sewerage businesses – 1 North, 1 South and 1 North-West

A 4th business to provide common services to the 3 regional water and sewerage businesses.

An economic regulator who will independently set prices, set minimum customer service standards and monitor the performance of the businesses.

An expanded role for the Tasmanian Ombudsman to resolve complaints from water and sewerage customers.

The need for a yearly State of the Industry Report that monitors water quality and environmental performance as well as the financial performance of the corporations.

Source: Local Government Association of Tasmania