Central Highlands Water concern at landowner comments

Central Highlands Water is disappointed at comments made today by a spokesperson for a group of landowners in the Newlyn - Blampied area, on the ABC Regional Radio Morning Program, stating that they are threatening to block the construction of the Goldfields Superpipe.

“We have been negotiating with this group in good faith and understood that they would not delay construction of this vital water supply project for the greater Ballarat community,” said Mr Neil Brennan, Chief Executive Officer of Central Highlands Water.

“Any blockage to the project will put at risk the water supply to 97,000 residents and businesses and cause additional cost to our customers,” said Mr Brennan.

“We have listened to the landowners needs; we have sought expert advice on the best way to meet these needs and provided written guarantees resulting in an additional estimated $5M expenditure to meet these requests.  It is now time to commence building this essential water infrastructure project,” said Mr Brennan.

Mr Brennan concluded by stating he looked forward to this landowner group re-committing to its original pledge of not blocking or delaying this vital project and that Central Highlands Water will continue to meet with individual landowners affected by this project to respond to their needs, as has consistently occurred throughout the project.