Tasmania will now have a single, statewide water and sewerage entity following the passage of legislation through State Parliament.

 

Leader of Government Business, Michelle O’Byrne, said that the establishment of a single corporation would deliver crucial benefits across Tasmania.

 

"The move will allow for statewide infrastructure planning, streamlined governance arrangements, consistency in service delivery and potential cost savings," Ms O’Byrne said.

 

"A single statewide body was always this Government's preference and this Bill allows that to happen."

 

Ms O'Byrne said Local Government had worked collaboratively on the establishment of the new corporation, which they will own.

 

The Bill will transfer the assets, liabilities and employees of the existing water and sewerage businesses - Ben Lomond Water, Cradle Mountain Water, Southern Water and Onstream - to the new corporation.

 

The target start date for the new corporation to commence full operations is 1 July 2013.