Saturday 9 November 2024
The Allan Labor Government’s multi-million-dollar raid on Victoria’s water authorities is stalling critical infrastructure, driving up water bills and worsening the state’s housing crisis.
In a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement, Labor has diverted $651 million from Victoria’s water authorities in the past financial year, with a mix of “capital repatriations”, dividends and a new “efficiency dividend’ taking away vital funds in order to prop up Labor’s broken budget.
Shadow Minister for Water, Tim McCurdy, has warned that a constant drain on water funds is stalling essential infrastructure projects, worsening the housing crisis, and driving up costs for Victorians.
“It’s a cash grab from our water authorities, diverting funds away from critical projects,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Hiking up water bills to shovel the profits into bungled road projects is a false economy for Victoria, and delaying critical water infrastructure is irresponsible.”
The Essential Services Commission’s recent report revealed that more than 50 major water infrastructure projects were delayed in the past year alone, with providers struggling to forecast costs amid funding cuts.
Melbourne Water postponed or delayed 70 per cent of its projects, a staggering figure that highlights the negative impact of Labor’s policies.
“Overdue critical water infrastructure development is one of the main reasons developments and subdivisions have slowed,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Hold-ups in water and sewerage infrastructure are having an impact on home-building numbers.
“The government’s prioritisation of short-term gains over long-term investment risks pushing Victorians further into a housing crisis.
“With critical projects delayed across multiple regions, the Allan Labor Government must stop this mismanagement and prioritise the long-overdue water infrastructure to support Victoria’s communities.
“Labor can’t manage water and Victorians are paying the price.”