Tasmanian Business Reporter October

OCTOBER 2017 T A S M A N I A’ S L E A D I N G B U S I N E S S P U B L I C A T I O N . C I R C U L A T I O N 1 2 , 0 0 0 M O N T H LY ‘Battery of the nation’ Plans to double Tasmania’s energy production capacity are gaining momentum. Full story page 3 Hydro Tasmania CEO Steve Davy, right, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency CEO Ivor Frischknecht. Backing for TasWater takeover By TOM O’MEARA THE economic opportunities created by a State Government takeover of TasWater has spurred business to show a united front in support of the plan. And in a big coup for Treasurer Peter Gutwein’s bold bid, the original architect of the water authority is also a supporter of the major change. Former Labor Treasurer Michael Aird set up TasWater with the intention of making it a stateowned company but pressure from Local Government resulted in three regional businesses and a management organisation. Now retired, Mr Aird told The Examiner that state ownership is best for the company. “The four organisations was a sub-optimal outcome to say the least,” Mr Aird said. “State ownerships would make administrative sense and could lead to better governance.” While Mr Aird doesn’t believe there is a crisis with TasWater, he questions the governance of paying councils $20m in dividends which may be better used in the interests of taxpayers. Those taxpayers have also had enough according to a recent ReachTel survey, which showed the takeover concept was supported by more than 50 per cent of ratepayers. The ReachTEL survey of 1622 residents revealed that 25 per cent of ratepayers had a problem with TasWater on water and sewerage Continued Page 3 Are you Let Cam take care of the rest. Call 0437 894 175 or email apprenticeships@tcci.com.au a small business with a gap to fill Let us help. TCCI’s Apprenticeship Adviser will help you: • Save you time • Simplify the training system • Support you and mentor your apprentice • Save you money • Access subsidies and support services