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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 9 May 2008 LOCAL WATER UTILITIES INQUIRY - GRAFTON TO PORT MACQUARIE ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY A public hearing will be held at Coffs Harbour on 14th May 2008 as part of the NSW Government’s Inquiry into local water utilities. The hearing will be held at Coffs Harbour Golf Club from 10am to 3:45pm. Those with an interest in the future delivery of town water supply and sewerage services from Grafton to Port Macquarie 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. “Wednesday’s hearing is one of 16 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: http://test.dwe.nsw.gov.au/water/utilities_local.shtml ENDS Interviews with Mr Ian Armstrong or Dr. Col Gellatly available.   MEDIA CONTACTS North Coast Regional Office Brian Dodd 0427 661 418 76 Victoria St Locked Bag 10 GRAFTON NSW 2460 Telephone (02) 6641 6592 Facsimile (02) 6641 6642 Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Natural Resources