There’s a couple of major issues in the upcoming Yass Valley Council elections which need attention. None more important than clean potable water for the residents and ratepayers. Yes a figure has been announced, but the money is not yet there, It’s millions short for an outdated plan which is now 12 months old and could be $46 million up from $37 million. There has been an increase of up to 25% in the Water field over the last 12 months. I know, because I work in it.

Why do I care?
I’ve watched on as those in the township have complained and rightly so for at least the last four years as a member of the Yass Valley Times newspaper but in reality, much longer. My other interest is that I’m a 7 year veteran of a water authority based at Temora which has undertaken tens of millions of dollars of repairs and upgrades to its network and it maintenance as well as expansion.

I’ve been Chairman of the board for close to three years. Earlier this year I was unanimously re-elected as Chairman.

The Water Authority is made up of approximately 11,523 properties connected directly to our drinking water supply network in Bland, Coolamon, Junee, Temora and parts of Cootamundra-Gundagai and Narrandera.

We also supply water in bulk to parts of Hilltops and other parts of Cootamundra-Gundagai with distribution handled by the local councils.

It’s much larger than Yass, but just next door.

We supply quality drinking water to approximately 46,000 customers across an area of 22,526 sq km in parts of NSW’s South West Slopes and Riverina regions. Our system is made up of the Jugiong, Oura, Mt Arthur, Mt Daylight and Hyland’s Bridge water schemes.

The facilities owned and operated by Golden- fields Water include, but are not limited to the following, Five water treatment systems, 34 water pumping stations (including river extraction and Jugiong Water Treatment Plant Pumping Station), 72 water supply reservoir sites with approximately 115 reservoirs, Eight bores, Six re-chlorination stations and 2100 km of water mains.
Sounds impressive doesn’t it? Well it is.
Like any organisation we aren’t perfect, we suffer from dirty water incidents at times. But one thing is for sure. Yass has such

limited knowledge and such archaic infrastructure it could do well to partner with Goldenfields or even join the other Council areas through a pipeline. There is currently a pipeline proposed from Harden to Boorowa. It is being driven by the NSW Government, which means the issues that face Yass could also be solved by the NSW Government in conjunction with Goldenfields Water.

If you don’t vote for me in the upcoming election, you will have far less of a chance when it comes to solving the issues which have gone on for decades. I have witnessed them first hand for four years and they must be addressed.

It’s a disgrace that a Bush Council which butts up against the nation’s capital has some of the worst roads in the bush as graders sit idle and

staff are left to fend for themselves. Water staff are not given the support let alone the resources they need to get the job done. They must be given the resources and man power to tackle these issues.

The town infrastructure including the water mains would be end of life in some areas meaning that the same issues will occur until the town grid is updated. This could be tens upon tens of millions of dollars due to terrain, availability of contractors and increasing costs on top of the amount of work that needs to be done.

If you or anyone you know has suffered from poor water, in my opinion, I’m the only Councillor who can give you a chance to fix some of these issues. It will take time, money and collaboration with industry leaders.

If I don’t get your vote I can’t do anything. But I understand water in the bush, I need you to understand that I’m your best option to fix this mess.

Whether it’s state or federal, Rose Jackson (Labor) or Kristy McBain (Labor) it’s time they committed the funding needed to address this problem once and for all. I will be making a strong case to them. Once McBain moves on and the area takes in former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, my relationship with him and his former departments will be utilised to push Yass’ case for better water.

Yours in Water, Matthew Stadtmiller, Vote 1.

 

This editorial piece is being paid for as part of an advertising package offered to all candidates.