BALRANALD residents will have to cough up more for their water connection from next month but council says the extra fee is needed to improve the town’s water supply.
Balranald Shire Council passed its $20 million budget last Thursday, which reported a forecast surplus of $958, 027 — triple that of last year.
Councillor Lynda Cooke voted against the budget, which received five submissions and sets an increase of $100 for all raw water charges in the municipality.
A submission to the budget called for council to reconsider their decision but general manager Aaron Drenovski said the money raised would be placed in reserve to fund future water infrastructure projects.
He said the current raw water system was over 50 years old and needed replacing in both Balranald and Euston townships.
Mr Drenovski said Balranald residents paid some of the lowest rates across the state.
A letter will be sent out with the first rates notice explaining the situation to local residents.
For more on this story, grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (June 28).
