State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the Treasurer and Water Minister to explain why Hunter residents are being asked to pay more for water, following the Government taking a $100m dividend from Hunter Water.
Earlier this year, the NSW Government took an additional $100m dividend from Hunter Water, forcing them to borrow the money and put the organisation further into debt.
Hunter Water users were assured that the dividend would not affect Hunter Water’s prices. Now eight months on, Hunter Water is currently calling for feedback following a submission to IPART for an increase to residential and business charges.
Ms Hornery will move a Notice of Motion and use Questions on Notice to ask the Government to explain why Hunter residents are being forced to pay more.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Here we have another attempt by the Government to raid the coffers of the people of the Hunter and the Wallsend electorate.”
“Earlier this year, the Treasurer ripped $100m out of Hunter Water. That was money that Hunter Water didn’t have and were forced to borrow to pay the Government.”
“Despite assurances by the Government that prices would not be impacted by the additional dividend, Hunter Water has now made an application to IPART to increase water prices over the next 5 years.”
“All of the extra money being taken by the Government has meant that no money has been put into works to help with the Wallsend Flood Mitigation Plans.”
“Local residents are sick to death of seeing local money being sent down to Sydney to fund projects there, while projects like the Wallsend flood works are simply ignored.”
“I will make sure the Government understands that locals have had enough.”