TasWater put on notice on housing
The Housing Industry Association has welcomed a Public Accounts Committee inquiry into TasWater, highlighting that housing supply has been included in the inquiry's terms of reference as a significant development.
Will the TasWater inquiry fix housing supply and connection delays in Tasmania?
Builders and plumbers in Tasmania may benefit if the inquiry leads to faster or cheaper water and sewer connections, reducing project delays.
Key takeaways
- The Public Accounts Committee has launched an inquiry into TasWater with housing supply in the terms of reference.
- The Housing Industry Association called the housing supply inclusion one of the most significant developments.
- The inquiry could lead to reforms affecting water and sewer connections for new housing projects in Tasmania.
- Builders and plumbers working on Tasmanian housing projects should monitor the inquiry's findings closely.
Related
Inquiry into the financial and operational performance of TasWater
HIA's Tasmanian Executive Director Benjamin Price addressed the Public Accounts Committee regarding TasWater's financial and operational performance. The statement covers issues relevant to the water utility's impact on the building and construction industry in Tasmania.
Why it matters: Builders and plumbers in Tasmania may be affected by TasWater's performance, including connection delays, infrastructure capacity, and cost impacts on new developments.
Stop the dividends: Councils broke Tasmania's water system
TasWater has paid $120 million in dividends to Tasmanian councils while charging homebuyers fees on undeveloped blocks. Critics argue this financial structure is breaking the state's water system.
Why it matters: Plumbers and builders in Tasmania face project delays and cost blowouts tied to TasWater's strained infrastructure. New housing developments may be harder to connect and more expensive to service.
Local government candidate shortfall highlights need for council amalgamations
Two Tasmanian councils received too few nominations to fill all councillor positions ahead of local government elections. The Housing Industry Association argues this shortfall strengthens the case for council amalgamations in Tasmania.
Why it matters: Builders and developers in Tasmania could be affected if council amalgamations reshape planning approval processes and local development oversight.