History

The Tasmanian Water & Sewerage Industry Reform Explained

Prior to the Tasmanian Water & Sewerage Industry reform, water and sewerage infrastructure for urban areas was owned and managed by local councils across Tasmania. 

In 1997, the local councils of urban Hobart, Launceston and Burnie/Devonport created Joint Authorities (Hobart Water, Esk Water and Cradle Coast Water) which became responsible for sourcing, treating and delivering bulk water to each owner council. These councils retained management and delivery of reticulated water and sewerage services.  In rural Tasmania, each local council continued managing its own water and sewerage services.
 
In 2006, the State Government announced it would review and reform Tasmania's water and sewerage industry. In a discussion paper for stakeholders in December 2006, it noted that "...infrastructure has not kept pace with the State's strong economic progress..." and that "access to sustainable water and sewerage services is critical to ensure Tasmania is able to build sustainable communities and maximise its economic development opportunities."
 
To begin this process, a Ministerial Water and Sewerage Taskforce was established. Its role has been to:

  • conduct a high level review of the Tasmanian industry
  • examine the structural and regulatory arrangements
  • advise on impacts for stakeholders
  • consult widely with stakeholders, particularly local government
  • prepare a report for a statewide water and sewerage plan
  •  report to Cabinet. 
     

In February 2008, State Cabinet approved the Taskforce's recommendation to reform the industry, which were underpinned by the formation of new regional corporations to deliver the services.
 
The Treasurer, Mr Michael Aird, said that the changes would ensure an improvement in services and the development of vital infrastructure.

What Has Changed?

For Tasmanian homes and businesses, there has been relatively little change since the new water and sewerage corporations began operations on 1 July 2009.

Up until 30 June 2009, water and sewerage continued to be managed by local councils and the three bulk water authorities.  From 1 July 2009, the employees and assets of the bulk water authorities and water and sewerage assets of all Tasmanian councils transferred into one of the new corporations - Ben Lomond Water, Cradle Mountain Water & Southern Water.

In addition, some employees and assets have transferred into a statewide common service corporation which offers billing, information technology and payroll services.

Some of the changes include:

  • a separate water and sewerage bill (as many Tasmanians pay for their water and sewerage through their council rates
  • a different phone number to report faults, query bills or make enquiries (13MYWATER/136992)