The regulation that supports Hunter Water in providing critical water and wastewater services to more than 630,000 people across the region has commenced.
The New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) thanked locals and stakeholders for their valuable feedback during the exhibition period. The feedback it received helped the organisation finalise the regulation, and a report detailing public submissions can be found on the department’s website.
New South Wales DCCEEW Executive Director of Operations Resilience, Ashraf El-Sherbini, thanked residents and stakeholders across the Hunter for engaging and providing critical feedback that helped shape the final regulation.
“We were pleased to see that the community supported the remake, and our changes were in line with best practice and community expectations.
The final regulation includes minor changes and updates to streamline it and simplify its intent. The changes include clarifying definitions, updating references, increasing penalties for breaching water restrictions to bring them in line with other similar fines, and updating language to reflect online administration.
New South Wales Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said, “The people of the Hunter can have confidence that their water is clean and safe thanks to these changes.
“We’re cracking down on those who pollute our water – sending a clear message that reckless or negligent behaviour won’t be tolerated.”
Based on the Regulatory Impact Statement, DCCEEW does not expect the changes to significantly impact residents, businesses or other stakeholders. These changes will not affect water rates or charges.
“We extended our gratitude to the community for their patience and invaluable feedback – your support means we can protect and serve the community as best we can,” Ms Catley said.
“We are committed to ensuring our water stays in top shape because the people of the Hunter deserve nothing less.”
The regulation plays a crucial role in enabling Hunter Water to deliver drinking water, sewerage, recycled water, drainage and stormwater services across more than 6,600km2 in the Lower Hunter, including the local government areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog and parts of Singleton.
It enables Hunter Water to protect water quality in drinking water catchment areas, protect Hunter Water assets, implement water restrictions during drought, and fine people or corporations for not complying with rules relating to special areas, plumbing and drainage works and water restrictions.
“It can deliver world-class services to hundreds of thousands of households and businesses across the Hunter while safeguarding water quality and protecting the region’s waterways and the environment,” Mr El-Sherbini said.
For more information and to read the What We Heard report, visit Hunter Water Regulation remake.
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