HUNTER WATER CRITICISED OVER INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND
The Shadow Water Minister has taken aim at Hunter Water, over its spend on critical infrastructure.
Chris Minns says last month’s state budget revealed the utility spent just $90-million, compared to 133-million in 2011/12.
“It’s a big concern for people because their water bills are going up, the amount of money being spent on infrastructure is going down and at the same time, the government’s doubled the amount of money they are ripping out of the company,” said Mr Minns.
But Hunter Water says the figures don’t paint an accurate picture, because they come off the back of the utility’s largest-ever investment in infrastructure.
“It’s therefore slightly creative accounting in that it shows a steep decline in our spending, given the following years have been more of the average on what you’d be seeing us spend on the water and sewer system,” said spokesperson Nick Kaiser.
(AUDIO IN PARTS)