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Todd Talks |
New Zealanders want and expect quality drinking water, clean rivers and swimmable beaches.
National's Local Water Done Well policy will scrap Labour's undemocratic and unworkable Three Waters model and replace it with a sustainable system that ensures drinking water, stormwater and wastewater remain in local control.
Under National, councils will be required to demonstrate a clear plan to deliver ongoing investment in water infrastructure. They will be required to ringfence money for water infrastructure and not spend it on other services instead.
Resilient, well-maintained, future-proofed modern infrastructure will mean communities can better cope with mounting pressures due to climate change and accommodate future housing growth.
That's why our plan supports greater access for councils to long-term borrowing, which is an appropriate way to fund long-life water infrastructure.
With access to long term funding, Councils can spread the cost of infrastructure across 30 years. This will help avoid increases in your rates bill.
It is important Zealand gets this right. New Zealanders want and expect clean drinking water, clean waterways and infrastructure that is well maintained and fit for the future.
National will have five priorities in government. We'll address the cost-of-living crisis, lift incomes for all, restore law and order, build infrastructure and provide better education and health services.
I'm holding a public meeting with National's Health Spokesman Dr Shane Reti this month in Papamoa – sing up at: www.toddmuller.co.nz/events and join us for a conversation about health services in the Bay of Plenty.
