Lack of detail, too many concerns -
Released: 30 September 2021
At a full Council meeting held on Thursday 30 September South Waikato District Council (SWDC) finalised its submission to the Three Waters Reform proposal.
“As a result of the due diligence SWDC staff and Elected Members have done, we have concluded that SWDC will be significantly worse off, compared to other councils, if we enter the reform process,” said Mayor Jenny Shattock. “The better off component will not, as it stands, adequately compensate for the much lesser deal that SWDC would receive compared to other councils.”
SWDC has other significant concerns:
Given the timeframes and lack of information and clarity on which to consult effectively, SWDC has not formally consulted with its community, however significant feedback from ratepayers has been received in various forms and it has been 100% in opposition to opting-in to the reform process.
“South Waikato District Councillors have decided that, at this stage and with the current information available to us, we have too many concerns to accept the Government’s Three Waters proposal and we will seek to opt-out if there is no more clarity,” reiterated Mayor Shattock. “Further support, information and clarification from Government is required for us to consider an alternative stance.”
ENDS. Words: 305
