Shadow Minister for Water, Steph Cooke has condemned the Minns Labor Government for presiding over a litany of failures across the water portfolio, where delays and bungled projects are piling up.
Friday's Budget Estimates were a reminder that major infrastructure projects, such as the Wilcannia Weir replacement, remain years behind schedule, while not one of the 77 SDLAM (Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism) sub-projects has been delivered.
Regional water strategies and floodplain management plans remain unfinished with no clear timelines for completion, while the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is yet to start ground-truthing its wetland maps, despite having already spent 18 months on them.
These revelations come shortly after WaterNSW announced it will cut 300 jobs due to an $80 million funding shortfall, with CEO Andrew George stating hearing that the job losses will "absolutely" result in reductions to programs and core business functions.
Ms Cooke said the combination of stalled projects, unfinished programs, and impending staff cuts exposes departments across the portfolio struggling to meet core responsibilities and deliver for communities, and the environment.
"It makes no sense to hollow out the Water NSW at the very moment it is most needed, with critical projects delayed, essential programs stalled, and skilled staff being cut.
"The Government's failure to provide clear timelines for ongoing initiatives is leaving towns, regional areas, and the environment exposed. The Minister must explain how her Government plans to deliver essential water infrastructure and programs without further setbacks," Ms Cooke said.
The Minister was unable to explain how her Government is supporting housing growth with essential water infrastructure, beyond a single reallocation to the Yass Water Treatment Plant, leaving other projects reliant on Commonwealth funding rather than state investment. This is despite the Treasurer touting this year's budget as focused on "pipes and poles," and the Minister insisting her priority is delivering the infrastructure needed while maintaining the state's water security.
Furthermore, the Minister confirmed that no more money had been allocated to the Safe and Secure Program and was unable to say how many town water and sewer projects are shovel ready.
"It just disingenuous to say your priority is to support housing growth when water infrastructure is so grossly underfunded. The Government's words are empty, and it's going to be our communities that pay the price."
