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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 18 April 2008 LOCAL WATER UTILITIES INQUIRY - FORBES ENCOURAGED TO HAVE ITS SAY A public hearing will be held at Forbes on 22 April 2008 as part of the NSW Government’s Inquiry into local water utilities. The hearing will be held at the Services Memorial Club, Templar Street, Forbes from 10 am. Those with an interest in the future delivery of town water supply and sewerage services in Forbes are encouraged to register to make a presentation at the hearing or attend as an observer. You can register online at: www.dwe.nsw.gov.au/water/utilities_local_form.shtml or by phoning: (02) 8281 7319. “Tuesday’s hearing is one of 15 being held in regional NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Local Water Utilities Inquiry,” said former NSW Deputy Premier, Ian Armstrong. Mr Armstrong and former head of the NSW Premier’s Department, Dr. Col Gellatly have been appointed to head the Inquiry, which aims to identify the most effective arrangements for the long term sustainable provision of town water supply and sewerage services in country NSW. “Local water utilities are facing significant challenges, such as changes in population density, skills shortages and climate change. We need to identify the best way to effectively anticipate and respond to these challenges,” Mr Armstrong said. “There won’t be a Macquarie St, or one size fits all, solution. The Inquiry Panel has no pre-determined model in mind and will work with councils and stakeholders to identify the most effective governance arrangements for the future.” Only those who have registered beforehand will be able to make a presentation at the hearing. However, anyone can make a written submission to the Inquiry by reading the Terms of Reference and discussion paper, then submitting their comments via email to the Department of Water and Energy: waterinquiry@dwe.nsw.gov.au by close of business on Wednesday 30th April 2008. “The hearings are an important opportunity for local communities, councils, businesses, interest groups and individuals to be part of the Inquiry. I encourage those with an interest to express their views by participating in a hearing or making a submission,” Mr Armstrong said. More information on the Local Water Utilities Inquiry is available on the Department’s website.   MEDIA CONTACTS Central West Regional Office Anne Brook 0419 120 527 155-157 Marius St PO Box 550 TAMWORTH NSW 2340 Telephone: (02) 6701 9662 Facsimile: (02) 6701 9682 Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Natural Resources