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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 6 May 2008 LOCAL WATER UTILITIES INQUIRY - GRIFFITH ENCOURAGED TO HAVE ITS SAY A public hearing will be held at Griffith on 6 May 2008 as part of the NSW Government’s Inquiry into local water utilities. The hearing will be held in the Restaurant Function Centre, Gemini Motel, Banna Ave Griffith from 10 am. The meeting will run for approximately 2 hours. Those with an interest in the future delivery of town water supply and sewerage services in Griffith 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. “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 Ends Interviews with Mr Ian Armstrong or Dr. Col Gellatly available.   MEDIA CONTACTS Murray Regional Office Bunty Driver 0407 403 234 8-20 Edwardes St PO Box 205 DENILIQUIN NSW 2710 Telephone (03) 5898 3910 or 0407 403 234 Facsimile (03) 5881 5102 Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Natural Resources