THE state government is getting hounded over the Werris Creek water treatment plant upgrade.
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The state opposition has grilled the government on its timing for the upgrade and Liverpool Plains Shire Council has met with the Department of Premier and Cabinet to get some clarity on the matter.
Mayor Andrew Hope was disappointed the project was stuck in limbo.
“The federal government announced funding for it nearly two years ago, so we’re disappointed it’s taken this long because we could’ve had it half done by now,” Cr Hope said.
“The longer the delays, the more expensive it will be.
“We can’t put it to tender until the funding is there, that’s the last thing we have to do.”
The government said the project had been “shortlisted” for funding in this year’s budget.
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Cr Hope said it was frustrating how long the project had dragged-on.
“This is about water for human consumption in the second largest town in our shire,” he said.
“We’re not asking for a skate-park or an Olympic swimming pool.”
Labor MLC, Daniel Mookhey, notice of a motion in the NSW Upper House calling on water minister, Niall Blair, to explain how much money the government will commit to the project.
“The Werris Creek water treatment upgrade project has been studied to the nth degree,” Mr Mookhey said.
“It’s upsides and downsides are well known.”
Mr Mookhey said the worst outcome was leaving the community in limbo.
“What no one knows is the National Party’s policy,” he said.
“Will they, or won’t they, fund it?
“Families living on the Liverpool plains deserve an answer. With summer fast approaching, the worst outcome would be to leave the community in limbo.”