Survey finds strong business supports for State Government’s planned takeover of TasWater

ALMOST half of Tasmanian small and medium businesses are backing the State Government’s takeover of TasWater, a new survey reveals.

More than twice as many businesses support a Government takeover of TasWater compared to those who support the status quo. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

ALMOST half of Tasmanian small and medium businesses are backing the State Government’s takeover of TasWater, a new survey reveals, with just 20 per cent of respondents backing the council-owned status quo.

The Sensis Business Index survey, conducted from April 28 to May 25, shows 46 per cent of firms support Treasurer Peter Gutwein’s plan to operate TasWater as a Government Business Enterprise, while 20 per cent wanted the water company to remain owned by the state’s 29 councils.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Under the Treasurer’s plans, councils would have their dividends from the organisation guaranteed until 2024-25, after which they will receive half of all future returns.

Census director of corporate affairs, Libby Hay, said the results represented a difference in attitudes to the proposed move within the state’s business community.

“More than twice as many small and medium businesses support the Tasmanian Government’s decision to take over TasWater as those who are opposed to the move,” she said.

MORE: LEGAL QUESTIONS ON PROPOSED TASWATER TAKEOVER

Survey participant and Launceston small business owner, Chris Pannowitz, said a State Government takeover of TasWater was in the best economic interests of the state.

“The Government actually needs some assets so they are generating some money,” the commercial gardener said.

“The Government would run it as a business. This would actually create wealth if it was run properly.

“I don’t think it would raise water prices because most of the infrastructure is already there.

“Governments in the past were short-sighted but they have to be long-sighted, and look 10 to 20 years down the track.

“Most of the people I speak with agree with me because it’s how can we create trade jobs for our young people.”

TasWater was contacted for comment.