Media Release from Bill Sykes MP






Mond Saturday, 24 June 2006 SYKES: GLENROWAN DESERVES BETTER WATER & SEWERAGE A poor water supply along with an absence of a sewerage system is holding back development of Glenrowan Township, according to Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes. Dr Sykes said, “The recent prolonged dry spell has focussed community attention on the inadequate water supply whilst the absence of a sewerage system is an ongoing concern. “I have spoken to both the Rural City of Wangaratta and North East Water and I am assured that Glenrowan sewerage and water systems are high on the priority list of both organisations.” Dr Sykes continued, “A proposal to pipe water from Wangaratta to coincide with an increase in Wangaratta’s water storage capacity is on North East Water’s proposed works schedule for the five year period commencing July 2008. “Similarly, it is planned to upgrade Glenrowan sewerage in the same five year work period with preliminary works underway to develop an innovative sewerage system to qualify for funding by the State Government.” Dr Sykes said that he had faith in the local organisations but the Bracks Government’s tardiness in funding projects in rural Victoria was a major concern which may impact on the start and completion time of these two important projects. According to Dr Sykes, whilst the Bracks Government has nominally committed $450m to projects in regional and rural Victoria in the past few years only $150m has actually been spent with many projects yet to start and others started but not yet completed. Dr Sykes said, “In contrast the previous Coalition Government spent $1 billion on upgrading water and sewerage with local communities such as Benalla and Whitfield being amongst the beneficiaries”. Dr Sykes concluded, “I will continue to liaise with the Rural City of Wangaratta and North East Water and where possible assist them to ensure that Glenrowan Township does get a sewerage system and upgraded water system which will then enable the township to grow and further prosper from the Ned Kelly heritage”. Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989