Federal Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Water, Anthony Albanese, joined Mr Kelly and Mr Whan in Braidwood last Friday to announce that the NSW Government will provide $3.3 million in funding for the new Braidwood sewerage treatment works upgrade and that this funding will be matched federally if Labor wins the upcoming federal election. The work would involve replacing much of Braidwoods dilapidated sewage infrastructure including storage ponds, pump stations, pipelines, disinfection and effluent management areas. The cost of these works is estimated to be in the vicinity of $7million.
Mr Mike Kelly, the Labour Candidate for Eden-Monaro said that this was a great example of what could be achieved when all levels of Government worked together for the best interests of the community.
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said the funding will save residents from big rates increases which had been foreshadowed to pay for the project. Mr Whan thanked the community for their support in securing this funding. However, he added
"There will still be some rate increase and that's up to the council to determine.
The Mayor of Palerang Jim Maclachlan welcomed the announcement and said he didn't mind which party offered financial support. He was quick to point out that other areas in the shire also needed financial support. Mr Maclachlan said he had lobbied the NSW Member for Monaro, Steve Whan almost weekly for state government helpand thanked Mr Whan for working so hard to get the additional funding. He also stated that the increased charges for this year would stand and it would be next year before the level of reductions would be determined. The level of reductions would take into account the results of the design and tender process for the sewage upgrade as well as its operating expenses. The planned reductions would also be reduced by the funding arrangements for a sewage fund that would be established to build up a reserve to meet further sewage work in about 25 years. The Mayor estimated that the likely reductions next year would be in the order of about $200 unless further funding was obtained.
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Gary Nairn says the announcement is an election stunt to benefit his Labor opponent Mike Kelly.
"He needs every winner and that's obviously what the Labor Party have designed this for," he said.
Mr Nairn says the funding only partly addresses the parlous financial situation facing Palerang Shire after the State Government's council amalgamations. "It's about time they did something to help" he said. Mr Nairn said he might have more say about helping Palerang Council next week.
Steve Whan responded by saying that "Mr Nairn's response revealed a complete lack of understanding of the history of Braidwood's sewage problem- contrary to his claims, it had nothing to do with council amalgamations although it certainly has something to do with the Howard Governments failure to maintain local Governments share of revenue which has cost NSW councils over $170 million per year.
Meanwhile in response to widespread community concern that the proposed plant may be too expensive, Councillors will consider a proposal to enable the consideration of alternative technologies as part of the tender process for the replacement of the Braidwood Sewage Plant at its next meeting at 6.00pm on Thursday the 11th of October at the Braidwood Council Chambers. The proposal involves holding a Value Management Workshop at Braidwood to examine the options for sewage treatment at Braidwood and to recommend a preferred direction for upgrading of the plant. The Braidwood community will be represented by two representatives from BRASS and 2 representatives from Save Braidwood Inc. The workshop is expected to cost $30,000.
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