CCI backs State Government water efficiency measures

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCI) has today welcomed the State Government’s change to water pricing to drive greater efficiency.

CCI Chief Economist Rick Newnham said although increasing charges on some households is not ideal, the proposed changes to pricing will drive behavioural change that ensure that the heaviest users of WA’s precious water will pay a premium for that use.

“Customers should be paying bills that accurately capture how much water they use, not additional charges because of a small number of excessive users,” Mr Newnham said.

“The pricing changes will also defer investment in new water capacity which will avoid an increase to the net debt position in the short-term.

“When demand reaches a point that a new desalination plant is required, the Government should consider establishing a public-private partnership whereby the private sector picks up the bill for new infrastructure instead of taxpayers.”

CCI has presented the State Government with a series of recommendations in its Pre-Budget Submission to reduce government spending whilst keeping taxes stable.

“Government spending is now at a record high $31 billion – 20 per cent higher than at the peak of the mining resources boom in 2012-13,” Mr Newnham said

“CCI urges the Government to keep its focus on reducing spending to return to surplus, not increasing taxes that will hurt economic recovery.”

Share This Post

You may also be interested in

CCIWA alarmed at reported efforts to block North West Shelf project
CCIWA alarmed at reported efforts to block North West Shelf project
Comments attributable to CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey: CCIWA is alarmed at reports today of efforts to block the extension of the North West Shelf...
Read more »
Peak employer groups call for payroll tax reform in WA
Peak employer groups call for payroll tax reform in WA
Western Australia’s peak business and industry groups have joined forces to call on the Cook Government to deliver payroll tax relief in the upcoming budget....
Read more »
Regional businesses battered by rising costs, skills shortages
Regional businesses battered by rising costs, skills shortages
Businesses in regional WA are being battered by rising costs, with more than half reporting a drop in profit margins, according to CCIWA’s Regional Pulse...
Read more »