Elections
Government’s Three Waters policy is an asset grab that will confiscate water assets from local communities without compensation – that was the message National’s Local Government spokesperson Simon Watts gave a meeting in Otautau yesterday. (1 June)
“The legislation will be reported back to the house from Select Committee next week,” he said.
“Labour has pushed through its undemocratic and unpopular Three Waters policy, which is an asset grab that will take water services off local communities.
“National will repeal Three Waters within its first 100 days and replace it with our Local Water Done Well plan.
“This will ensure that drinking water, stormwater and wastewater remain in local control, with strict water quality standards and a requirement for councils to invest in the ongoing maintenance and replacement of their vital water infrastructure.
“Our plan will restore New Zealanders’ confidence that water infrastructure is being funded on a continuous basis, with investment being made when and where it’s needed.”
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds, who is hosting Mr Watts in Invercargill, said many people in the South were concerned at the implications of Three Waters.
“The loss of local assets is a big concern, particularly in Invercargill, while the loss of local control also has people worried.
“National has committed to repealing Three Waters, while our Local Water Done Well policy will provide a pathway to environmental and financial sustainability of water services, ensuring local assets remain in community control.”
Watts and Simmonds also met with Invercargill City and Southland District Council mayors yesterday and spoke to farmers at a meeting in Tokanui, attended by about 50 people.
Pic caption – Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds and National’s Local Government spokesperson Simon Watts in Invercargill yesterday.