BY XANTHE GREGORY
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has moved a Notice of Motion in NSW Parliamen, calling on the Government to promise to keep the reduced dividend for Hunter Water in the 2018/19 financial year.
Last month the Government said it would reduce the dividend that Hunter Water would pay in the 2017/18 financial year from $135 million to $47 million.
The Treasurer reportedly stated he intends to take "better" dividends in years to come.
Ms Hornery is concerned that increased dividend payments will impact Hunter Water's ability to provide crucial flood mitigation works.
She says "the amount of work required to be undertaken by Hunter Water would be jeopardised by any future increased dividend taken by the State Government.
"That money should remain in the Hunter and be used for Hunter projects."
If the Notice of Motion is successful, it's hoped Hunter Water will be able to deliver on future flood works in the Wallsend CBD with the money saved from the reduced dividend payments.
Current works to replace the Tyrell Street bridge are underway, with the MP thanking Newcastle City Council's Jeremy Bath for his advocacy to do so.
Further works to remove the pillars from Wallsend stormwater drains are hoped to take place in future with Council and Hunter Water support.
