The report examines the performance of local water utilities and the challenges that are facing them. It has addressed these issues to ensure that they are cost-effective, financially viable, and sustainable.

The key recommendations suggest a strengthening or regulatory management, improving pricing regulations and meeting skills shortages.

NSW Shire’s Association president Bruce Miller said it was a comprehensive and thoughtful report that clearly addressed issues put forward by councils.

“Our local councils should see this as an opportunity to continue to be part of the process - they need to analyse the report’s recommendations constructively and look at the best ways to make them work for their area” he said

Local Government Association president Genia McCaffrey said the inquiry had clearly considered both the long-term sustainability of water and sewerage utilities in non-metropolitan NSW as well as the future of individual councils involved in the inquiry.

“We are gratified to see that the report provides the scope for councils to advocate for the options that will work best for their individual and regional circumstances,” she said.

The associations were pleased to note that the report acknowledges that a number of councils should be allowed to continue to provide water supply and sewerage service as a stand alone entity, as they already satisfy the inquiry’s criteria for an effective and efficient water utility.

At the time of press, Lightning Ridge mayor Ian Woodcock was unable to report on the current situation regarding the town’s position to the inquiry.