It’s official – MidCoast Council and MidCoast Water will become one.
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Today, June 28 Minister for Environment, Local Government and Heritage, Gabrielle Upton approved the proposal to dissolve MidCoast Water and move its functions into MidCoast Council.
After carefully considering the proposal and the representations received during the public consultation process, Ms Upton has recommended to the Governor that the proposal be implemented without modification on and from July 1.
Accordingly, the Governor has today issued a proclamation to this effect.
The announcement follows the resolutions made by both MidCoast Water and MidCoast Council in December 2016.
Following the announcement it was business as usual, and this would continue into the future according to MidCoast Council’s interim general manager, Glenn Handford.
“Nothing changes from a service delivery perspective from day one, and residents can feel confident that the integration will be planned with precision to avoid any disruption to services,” Mr Handford said.
After careful consideration of the options for the future delivery of water and sewer services to the MidCoast community, the proposal outlined staff and operational efficiencies estimated at more than $3 million per year achieved through the integration of functions, which would ultimately deliver cost savings for the community.
“The staff from both organisations will continue to work together to deliver services for our community, at the same time realising significant savings and efficiencies over coming years as we integrate,” Mr Handford said.
Harmonising corporate support functions such as technology and communications will deliver appreciable savings and benefits.
MidCoast Water has successfully provided quality water-related services to the community for 20 years, and as part of MidCoast Council, would continue to focus on the delivery of drinking water and the protection of the environment.
“We are pleased with the progress that has been made by MidCoast Council following its proclamation in May 2016 and are certain this integration of two strong service providers will further strengthen the ability to meet the needs of the diverse community it serves,” Ms Upton said.
Further information will soon be made available on MidCoast Council’s website at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/integration