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The coalition government’s plan to address longstanding issues with local water infrastructure and service delivery began on February 14 with the repealing of the controversial Three Waters legislation.
In a press release, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said repealing the legislation was the first step in implementing the government’s Local Water Done Well policy.
“The vast majority of councils were opposed to Labour’s Three Waters reform, and we have delivered on our commitment to restore local council ownership and control of water assets,” Minister Brown said. He said repealing the legislation will help councils complete and adopt their long-term plans.
The Minister said two further bills will be introduced this year to progress the Local Water Done Well policy – the first to be introduced and enacted by the middle of this year, and the second introduced in December and enacted by mid-2025.
He described Local Water Done Well as recognising the importance of local decision-making and flexibility for communities and councils to determine how their water services will be delivered in future. “We are asking councils to lead the way in developing local solutions to water services challenges. This includes requiring them to provide water services delivery plans that outline how they will deliver on outcomes for water quality, infrastructure investment and financial sustainability.” He says the policy ensures a strong emphasis on meeting rules for water quality and long-term investment in infrastructure.
