If implemented, the proposed increases will see a rise in costs of over 200 per cent in the next five years.
Water NSW and the Water Administration Ministerial Corporation recently submitted a pricing proposal to IPART which will affect all water-using regional businesses including farmers, graziers, manufacturers, Councils, and food processors.
In August this year, NSW Premier Chris Minns wrote to IPART on behalf of Sydney residents amid concerns of the rising cost of the capital’s water prices.
Mr Moylan is urging Mr Minns to do the same to look after rural communities.
“If it is good enough for Sydney water users to have their cost-of-living pressures taken into account by the Premier, then regional and rural water users should also be shown the same level of support,” he said.
“The proposed price increases will greatly affect farmers, irrigators, graziers, councils, and all bulk water users which in turn will affect the rest of the community.
Mr Moylan filed a Notice of Motion in Parliament during the November sittings which called on the State Labor Government to urgently intervene to ensure water prices remain fair and equitable for everyone in regional NSW.
“The proposed price increases are simply unaffordable for regional businesses and councils,” he said.
“I encourage all water users and residents to make their voice heard by submitting feedback to IPART, submissions are due by 9 December 2024.”
