Council is renewing its call for reasonable compensation to replace vital infrastructure displaced by the impending Singleton Bypass.
Singleton mayor Sue Moore has written to the NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, to seek fair reimbursement for the loss of its water and sewer depot.
She’s hoping the state government will spare local households from a possible $20 million cost burden.
The proposed water and sewer charges are included in the draft 2025/2026 Fees and Charges as part of the 2025/2026 Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan, which is currently on public exhibition until 14 May.
Council’s facility moved out of the Water Works Lane site in December 2021 and has since been operating from temporary, and poorly located, premises on John Street.
With $700 million being invested by the Commonwealth and NSW governments to fund the Singleton Bypass, Cr Moore believes it’s not fair for the community to foot the bill for a new depot due to the forced acquisition.
“Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is replacing a water pump station and water and sewer mains directly impacted by the bypass,” she said.
“However, to date, they have not offered reasonable compensation to cover the replacement costs of the depot that was also displaced.
“Council’s position is and remains that our customers should not have to pay $1 more to replace existing infrastructure that without the bypass project would have continued to meet requirements well into the future.
“We’ve pursued Transport for NSW for the fair and just compensation our community deserves to cover the costs of replacing this vital infrastructure, including launching action in the Land and Environment Court in 2023.
“An outcome is still forthcoming.
“Our water and sewer teams are currently operating out of a temporary facility that is inadequate to our needs, which is compromising the efficiency of our services.
“We simply cannot wait any longer to pursue a new depot.
“And, with no other funding options available and reasonable government support not forthcoming, we find ourselves in the untenable position of having to choose between providing a less efficient service to our customers or covering the cost of a facility.
“The situation as it stands is that our community is effectively making a $20 million contribution to the bypass by covering the cost of a replacement water and sewer depot that should have been compensated as part of the project.”
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