The State Government announced earlier this month that it had agreed “÷in principle’ on the proposed framework which would establish three combined distribution/retail entities.
Discussion between the councils has resulted in an agreement to change the composition of the three entities.
“Ipswich City Council will now merge its water business with that of Brisbane, rather than the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay,” Mr Robertson said.
“Consequently, Ipswich and Brisbane will form the base of a new distribution and retail entity, which will also include Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Councils.”
The final council groupings are as follows:
1. Brisbane, Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer
2. Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands
3. Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay
“The three entities will be tasked with meeting the demands of future growth in South East Queensland, and delivering better outcomes for water users.
“I now expect councils to commence detailed negotiation with the Queensland Water Commission to finalise key principles for the merger of their assets and establishment of the new businesses,” Mr Robertson said.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mayor Bob Abbot has applauded the State Government’s decision to allow the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Regional Councils to form their own separate water business.
Mr Abbot said both regions were facing similar costs to maintain their existing water infrastructure and similar population growth, so neither would be forced to shoulder a disproportionate financial burden.
Staff from the two councils will now begin working towards creating the new business, which will be run by an independent board.