AN INDEPENDENT water commissioner is next on Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) wishlist.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The role would provide an open and honest process for how water sharing plans that determine how much drinking water is allocated to Tamworth are dished out, TRC councillor Juanita Wilson said.
"Essentially there are two stakeholders with water and the political governance of water," she said.
"Frequently to me it seems the political governance overrides all else.
"It would give us a non-political authority to approach. The fact that water is an essential service, but now it's become a commodity for profit puts in a whole new element that didn't exist."
Councillors voted to take a motion to the Local Government NSW conference asking it to petition the state government to reinstate the water commissioner role and establish an Independent Water Commission.
The council's position is that water security for communities is being "jeopardised" by the "lack of openness and transparency" in the negotiation of water sharing plans.
A report to the council states an Independent Water Commission for NSW would consider all competing demands for water "and make decisions based on science rather than political issues, and this needs to happen swiftly to ensure regional communities are not left to run out of water".
Read also:
A spokeswoman for NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey said water is allocated by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment according to priorities set out in the Water Management Act 2000 and the rules in the applicable water sharing plan.
"The minister plays no part in the allocation of water," she said.
"This is delegated to the department, which makes allocations on a monthly basis, or when water is available.
"The former Land and Water Commissioner did not oversee water sharing plans.
"Water sharing plans are developed in close consultation with communities to ensure water rules provide for the environment, communities and industry."
The Local Government NSW conference will be held online in November, with a number of TRC councillors attending.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
