Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Redland Water 'Rip Off' - Wrap Up

All government decisions come at a cost to the community.  The water reform we have experienced over the past 5 years has cost billions of dollars and it will have to be paid for.  
If we encourage amendments to the current water legislation now, we will save further expenses being wasted by continuing down this path of commercialisation . 

More importantly, we need to protect our future generations from potential privatisation of water. The comparatively small cost to do this now will protect our children 
and grandchildren in the future

Though 9 out of 11 Councillors did not view this issue as urgent at last Wednesday's 
meeting (See Bayside Bulletin link), I believe the political climate (with leadership of this State 
being discussed on a daily basis and the imminent increase in water bills for Redland City) makes this issue urgent and requires our community leaders to put this on the agenda now.  

Below is the copy of a letter that has been sent by me to the Premier, Anna Bligh and the Leader/s of the Opposition.

Click here (Give Redlands Its Water Back Facebook Page) to view the page that I set up last year in
an attempt to create debate about this issue.     

Click here for Previous blog posted on this Issue - The Redland Water "Rip-Off"


31st March 2011


Dear Premier,

As a mayoral candidate for Redland City in 2012 and a current Councillor of Redland City, I am seeking the agreement of your Government to consider a strategy that I believe will protect the long-term security of water for our community.

I acknowledge the Water Grid provides broader security for South East Queensland and that recent infrastructure, built as a result of Water Reform, must be funded.  I am hoping you will consider my proposal to ensure that water remains affordable and accessible for future generations.

1)          The four state owned levels of bureaucracy (Qld Water Commission, Linkwater, SEQWater, SEQ Water Grid Manager) are combined into one,

2)      State debt for the water grid’s new operational assets is paid for over this period of time,
3)      Water Distribution/Retail entities such as Allconnex are ultimately disbanded and responsibility returned to individual councils.
 The streamlining of these businesses is in line with the recommendations of the Weller Report and would deliver operational savings, which ultimately influences the cost of bulk water.

The rationale behind disbanding the distribution/retail businesses is supported by statements from members of your Cabinet who are insisting that Councils should now give rebates through their rates for water.  Clearly this strategy allows Councils to consider the cost of water and its impacts on its community through its rating process.  
More importantly, the final decision on water pricing remains with elected representatives who are directly accountable to their community and not just legislation.

In my view this strategy allows the Water Grid to exist, protecting SEQ from future droughts yet lessens the treatment of water as a commodity as opposed to being a necessity of life.

I trust you will consider this strategy seriously as the residents of Redland City have clearly voiced concerns over Water Reform since 2007.  This was demonstrated by a number of petitions with over 3000 signatures that I presented to Parliament through the Member for Capalaba, Michael Choi MP in 2007. 

Please be advised that this request is made on behalf of representations made to me directly by residents of Redland City and is not necessarily the view of Redland City Council.

I look forward to your reply.


Cr Karen Williams
Division 9 – Capalaba
Redland City 

Cc.   Mr Jeff Seeney Leader of the Opposition
            Mr Campbell Newman
            Mr Michael Choi MP State Member for Capalaba
            Mr Mark Robinson MP State Member for Cleveland
            Mr Peter Dowling MP State Member for Redlands