3 waters Reform
If you want a subject that raises the hackles (and heckles) 3 waters reform is definitely on that list. From idealism to ignorance, pettiness to politicking, the spectrum of opinions is wide on this one. And cutting through the guts of it all is a politician hell bent on pushing through radical reforms irrespective of the wishes of the electorate.
Is 3 Waters Reform (3WR) going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back? Will 3WR sink the Labour party at the next election? Or will common sense prevail and less radical, less socialist and less appetising changes be the answer?
As an aside: this is a topic 'well' chosen for puns. They just flow through the conversation. Streams of water-related innuendo abound and some make a real splash.
A new independent water regulator will ensure all water standards are enforced. The reforms will make sure we can afford the upgrades needed to meet the standards, seeing fewer boil-water notices and greater protections for the environment..
Or is that all smoke, mirrors and a spiral staircase into a very large rabbithole?
Under the reforms the new water entities will be owned by councils on behalf of the communities they serve. Water services will remain in the ownership of the community they are serving. Continued public ownership of three waters water services and infrastructure is a bottom line for the Government.
Or will they? Wont the flow on from all this create an outpouring of anger and a waterfall of division?
An estimated $120 billion to $185 billion over 30 years is required to maintain and upgrade our three waters networks. Reform will make this manageable and improve water quality.
Or will it? What does overseas experiences? Users (that's you) end up drowning in debt with bloated charges for using something that they already own.