Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke has slammed the Minns Labor Government after 300 jobs were cut at WaterNSW without warning, stating the move could compromise critical water services and put regional communities at risk.
WaterNSW claims that cuts to nearly a quarter of its workforce are necessary for financial sustainability, but Ms Cooke says the impact on water operations and public safety could be severe.
“This is an alarming decision with long-term consequences for our state’s water security,” Ms Cooke said.
“These are the people who manage our dams, monitor water quality, oversee bulk supply to communities and councils, and play a crucial role in protecting towns during floods. To slash hundreds of these positions in one hit is reckless.”
WaterNSW has said it will “reset its priorities” and may no longer be able to deliver its current functions, activities, or projects in the same way.
Ms Cooke said this raises serious concerns that must be urgently addressed, and has criticised the Minns Labor Government for its silence on the issue.
“We still don’t know what programs are being scrapped, which services will be under-delivered, or what these cuts will mean for flood response, dam safety, or water access for regional towns,” Ms Cooke said.
“What we do know is that water licence holders fund a significant portion of the WaterNSW budget, and that the organisation is responsible for river management, water accounting, licensing, and approvals. Our irrigators deserve clarity on what they’re paying for and assurance that these cuts won’t further disadvantage our Basin communities.”
The restructure also risks losing vital experience from the workforce at a time when strong leadership and continuity are essential to maintaining water infrastructure and services across NSW.
Ms Cooke is calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently intervene, provide transparency around the impact of the job losses, and guarantee that frontline water services will not be compromised.
