After an overwhelmingly positive response from the water sector to the NSW Nationals’ record $5 billion Regional Water Infrastructure Program, Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke is calling on key stakeholders to join her Town Water Advisory Group.
Our $5 billion Regional Water Infrastructure Program will support regional water utility providers to build and replace essential infrastructure.
The program would be supported by legislation, which, if passed, would ensure future governments continue to invest in regional water and sewerage infrastructure.
Ms Cooke said extensive consultation with local governments, water utility providers, and Joint Organisations was crucial in developing our plan for regional water infrastructure.
“$5 billion is the same funding amount that Local Government NSW called on the government to deliver at their recent water management conference, due to the massive infrastructure backlog the state currently faces,” Ms Cooke said.
“For the first time in a long time, local councils can see their input directly reflected in this policy’s development.
“That is why I’m now seeking to establish my own Town Water Advisory Group to ensure local government leaders and engineers continue to play a direct role in shaping the future of water management across regional NSW.”
Those interested in joining the Town Water Advisory Group are asked to email Ms Cooke’s office before the end of September for consideration. Contact cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
Key advocacy groups, including the Country Mayors Association of NSW, have welcomed our plan, saying the fund “recognises and addresses the desperate need that many remote, rural and regional councils have for long-term, committed investment.”
The Minns Labor Government has pledged no new money for capital water infrastructure programs that target regional NSW despite growing calls from across the sector.
Water Minister Rose Jackson says they’re looking to introduce a “more sustainable model.”
The details of that are unlikely to be revealed in 2026.
