Premier announces Government takeover of TasWater
08 March 2017
Master Builders Tasmania Welcomes State Government Takeover of TasWater
Statement by Mr Michael Kerschbaum, Executive Director
Master Builders Tasmania (MBT) welcomes today’s announcement by the Premier Will Hodgman that the Tasmanian State Government will take over TasWater.
Mr Michael Kerschbaum, Executive Director of Master Builders Tasmania stated, “Any acceleration of the forward program of capital works which will lead to an improvement in the state’s ailing infrastructure should be applauded by all Tasmanians. These fast track upgrades to the state’s water and sewerage program is a positive for building and construction sector and will provide genuine employment opportunities across the state.”
Mr Kerschbaum added, “With TasWater under the control of the State Government the planned improvements will be carried out in half the time, leading to a better outcome for all Tasmanians. Our water and sewerage infrastructure is very substandard and ageing so it really requires a long-term investment horizon and deep pockets to bring it up to where it needs to be.”
Mr Kerschbaum went on to say, “From the Building, Construction and Civil Construction point of view there are also positives such as:
- growth and consolidation of the industry workforce
- apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities
- opportunities to bolster employment in trade areas where there is or has been a lack of training to date
- The potential removal of the main impediment facing the rejuvenation of Macquarie Point
Mr Kerschbaum concluded, “The entire Tasmanian population is reliant on up-to-date infrastructure in one form or another and the Government’s promise to fix this vital component of our publicly owned infrastructure is good news for everyone. If managed correctly, this program will generate many hundreds of local additional jobs.”
For further comment contact Michael Kerschbaum (w) 6210 2000 or (m) 0438 343 810
