Latest Update
15 May 2007 - Press Release
BURNIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY SUPPORT COUNCIL'S CALL TO RETAIN WATER ASSETS
Burnie Water
The Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns the State Government to keep their hands off Burnie City's Water and Sewerage infrastructure. The Chamber is prepared to support the Burnie City Council in its endeavours to retain ownership and full control of this vital local assett.
The Burnie community should not be penalised for adequately planning for its future and in no way should ratepayers of the community end up being penalised, by what will be necessary rates increases, in order to cross-subsidise neighbouring councils who have not been as progressive or do not have adequate resource to meet the needs of their communities.
If the State is serious about the absolute need for this infrastructure to support the region then they should have no qualms with providing a return to the Burnie community commensurate with its value and the value it provides to ratepayers.
The State Government reforms agenda including water and planning reforms are not without merit, however a change in the political will to support potential council amalgamations may deliver the same agenda with broader and more far reaching benefits directly to the communities involved.
Andrew Barry
President
Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry
PO Box 139
Burnie, Tasmaia 7320
