More people in country towns will be connected to town sewerage and water supply under a $40 million Liberal and Nationals plan.
Under the Small Towns Water and Sewerage Fund, eligible water authorities will receive dollar-for-dollar funding to install town sewerage or potable water supplies in smaller communities.
The fund will see the return of support for infrastructure after a similar program – the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program – was axed by the Andrews Labor Government.
Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh, said the fund will allow smaller communities to expand by the installation of water and sewage infrastructure.
“Our small towns are being held back by a lack of water and sewerage infrastructure,” Mr Walsh said.
“There is a significant number of towns close to major regional centres that do not have adequate infrastructure to support a growing community.
“Adding potable water and sewerage infrastructure means these communities can grow with less of a cost to existing ratepayers.”
Liberal Member for Ripon, Louise Staley, said the Small Towns Water and Sewerage Fund will connect communities across the state to reliable water infrastructure.
“This is a real solution for people living in small towns who rely on rain water or water deliveries and septic tanks,” Ms Staley said.
“Our country communities deserve better, and a Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver this real solution to help our regional and rural communities grow.”
