The Minns Labor Government's third budget has provided no new funding for the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program in a move that will continue to curb progress on critical water and sewerage projects across regional NSW.
Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke said the NSW Government's inaction sends a clear message that regional infrastructure is simply not a priority.
"The NSW Safe and Secure Water Program is about delivering the basic infrastructure that provides clean water and reliable sewerage services to ensure communities are liveable," Ms Cooke said.
"Some communities have spent years advocating for vital upgrades, only to be met with silence."
In Narrandera, plans to modernise the town's outdated water filtration system remain stalled, despite the frequency of discoloured water running through the taps of homes and businesses.
To the northeast in Boorowa, council has completed the business case for a new pipeline after several residents were forced to truck in water during drought conditions, yet with no relief in the budget, they face the risk of having to do so again.
"These towns aren't asking for special treatment – just a fair go," Ms Cooke said. "They've done the planning, they've made the case, and they're ready to get on with the job. What's missing is a government willing to back in regional people and regional communities."
Ms Cooke warned that without renewed investment in water infrastructure, the Government's obligation to the National Housing Accord to build 55,000 homes in regional NSW will remain out of reach.
"You can't talk about growth in the regions while ignoring the foundations that make that growth possible," she said.
"There can be no homes, no industry, and no drought resilience without reliable water systems - it's that simple."
"It's hard to believe housing is a real priority when the government continues to overlook the very infrastructure that makes housing possible."
