BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD
Singleton Council are calling on the state government for compensation for the relocation of critical water and sewer infrastructure to make way for the new Singleton bypass.
Councillors rejected an initial offer from Transport NSW last night claiming it the money wouldn’t cover both the temporary and permanent relocation works.
Cr Sue Moore says that despite supporting the bypass, the council has no plan to actually move the water and sewer plant, with the relocation set to cost between 8 band $12 million.
“We have no budget to move the water and sewer plant.”
Cr Sue Moore will write to and has requested to meet with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads requesting additional funding as well as meeting with the Hon Paul Toole MP. Dave Layzell, the member for the Upper Hunter, and Clayton Barr the Member for Cessnock.
“It is Council’s position that the considerable expense of relocation and building a new depot – when the current facility has well served the people of Singleton for more than 100 years – should not have to be borne by the community.”The Council are set to find a temporary location before permanently moving the sewer and water plant.
General Manager Jason Linnane says;
“There is a considerable disparity between what Transport for NSW have offered and the real expense of moving what is a critical service, and I hope Transport for NSW will work with us to deliver a win-win for our community.”