Zooming in on water reform

Marlborough’s mayor is set to give people the chance to have their say on the government’s water reform plans via the world wide web.

Council is set to hold a Three Waters information webinar tonight, from 5.30pm to answer questions and concerns over plans to create a new regional entity.

The move comes as Lockdown Level 2 prevents groups of more than 100 attending a public meeting, allowing up to 500 people to join in online.

“The Zoom webinar allows up to 500 people to join and attendees can ask questions in writing, which we will do our best to answer,” says mayor Leggett.

“Any questions that we are not able to answer on the night can be followed up after the webinar.”

“Lots of information on the proposals is already available on our website,” he says.

The Government is considering how best to regulate and deliver the country’s three water services - drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.

Current preference is to create four new regional water entities which would replace the 3 Waters work of 67 councils currently managing these services.

The exact size, shape and design of these entities is still being worked on.

Council have posted an agenda online and are encouraging people to take a look ahead of the meeting which will be held on Wednesday 22 September.

Council Chief Executive Mark Wheeler will join the mayor online.

“The webinar will also be recorded and posted on our Three Waters website page so people who are unable to attend the webinar can watch it at another time,” says mayor Leggett.

“Please note that no decisions are required of the council to opt-in or opt-out of the Government’s proposed water reforms at the moment.

“I particularly encourage people to read the Council’s Three Waters Reform – Agenda report 16 September 2021 and email us at 3waters@marlborough.govt.nz and let us know what you think of our current position.”

That report is posted online at www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/three-waters-reform-proposals accompanied by a wide range of other information.

The MDC Three Waters Webinar will take place from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm.

Click on the link to join: https://zoom.us/j/92739670998