THE drama behind Orange’s water woes has shifted from the household tap to the internal workings of NSW politics following concerns the Iemma Government is reluctant to hand over the $9 million needed to kick start drought-proofing works in the city.
Tuesday’s confirmation that any funding for emergency water works would come from the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage (CTWSS) program was described as “disappointing” by long time Labor member and Councillor Glenn Taylor who hoped to see an announcement as part of the state budget.
The CTWSS program usually provides a maximum contribution of 20 per cent to any individual water project however several Orange water projects require at least 50 per cent in government funding to make them a reality.
Orange City Council yesterday continued to release basic statements on the issue and refused to be critical of the time taken by the government to assess the application.
“The minister’s office has been made aware of the situation facing Orange,” said council spokesperson Nick Redmond.
Mr Redmond noted the general manager, technical services director and Mayor John Davis had met with the water minister in November 2007 and April this year but stressed council has been in “regular contact” with the minister’s office.
However Cr Jeremy Buckingham said yesterday that approach was not good enough and was unhappy with council’s handling of the issue.
“The mayor and our general manager should be camped out on the stairs of NSW Parliament house until we get this money,” Cr Buckingham said.
“It is beyond belief that here we are, 10 months away from running out of water and we have no funding commitments whatsoever from the State Government.”
A spokesperson for the minister’s office said yesterday the Department of Water and Energy was still assessing the application and stressed the CTWSS fund could provide funding commitments of 50 per cent.
“The door is by no means closed,” the spokesperson said.