THE State Treasurer Michael Aird says it will take at least three years before work can begin on the $1-billion restoration of Tasmania's water and sewerage network.
The Premier Paul Lennon accepted a recommendation for the services to be delivered by three regional, local government-owned bodies.
The move has ended speculation the government would impose a government-owned single authority.
Mr Aird said would take time to form the new entities.
"It's going to be a long transition to the completion of this reform, I would think at least three years, maybe a bit longer," Mr Aird said.
"But the idea is to legislate in April so we can provide some certainty to the employees."
He was speaking after an announcement that the Premier’s Local Government Council (PLGC) had supported future delivery of water and sewerage services through the local government-owned regional model.
PLGC agreed there were benefits to be achieved from reforming the water and sewerage sector and that there were significant challenges facing the sector in some parts of Tasmania that could be addressed under the proposed local government-owned regional model.
Employees in the sector are a key priority in the reform process. The PLGC agreed that transitional arrangements would ensure that employees were not disadvantaged by the reform process and noted that the new arrangements would create enhanced career opportunities for employees in the sector.
The PLGC said there would some transitional issues but recognised that the viability of councils would be enhanced by financial returns from the new water and sewerage businesses.
PLGC agreed that state and local government would work closely together to develop detailed implementation plans for the PLGC’s proposed model and remain in close consultation through the implementation process.
Premier Paul Lennon said the decision on a preferred model for the delivery of water and sewerage services in Tasmania was a wonderful achievement.
“This historic decision strengthens the relationship between the local government and state governments and shows what can be achieved by both tiers of government working together in the interests of all Tasmanians.
“There have been many challenges involved in bringing about reform in the vital water and sewerage sectors.
“However, parochial interests have been put aside and the Local Government Council is to be commended for its courage and foresight.”
LGAT president Mike Gaffney said the PLGC decision was historic and a further indication of the maturity of the relationship between state and local government.
“The reform is far reaching and allows local government to continue to service the local communities it represents.”
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