Signatures to Address Water Rates

IN response to local outrage about the high costs of water rates in the Upper Hunter Shire a petition has been developed to present in State Parliament, calling on the government to pay for water infrastructure, rather than local government who have transferred the costs to ratepayers.

See details below.

Concerned resident Mary Jane Blake said encourages local ratepayers throughout the Shire to sign the petition.

“Water is such an essential service and if our local Councillors won’t lobby the state government for proper funding, then we will,” said Ms Blake.

“There are members of parliament who are supporting us and are willing to present the petition in parliament and argue our case,” she said.

“We are small population and we just can’t afford it and we can’t be thrown under the bus,” she said.

“We need to get a minimum of 500 signatures and it has to be filled out properly to count, so please make sure you fill out your address, signatures and the details on the sheet,” she said.

“It can be signed by anyone who is a resident of New South Wales, so the more signatures we can get the better,” she said.

“I’ve delivered copies of the petition to businesses throughout the Shire and everyone has been happy to help,” Mary Jane Blake said.

John Preston, Upper Hunter candidate for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers who has signed the petition said they can create change.

“It’s not good enough to say that the state government won’t meet the cost of funding Upper Hunter Council’s capital works, when nobody has ever really tried,” said Mr Preston.

“If the Councillors aren’t going to do it, ratepayers can,” he said.

“I’d encourage everyone to sign it and when you look at the money that falls upon Sydney for absolutely trivial projects and then you consider this is an essential service why wouldn’t you give it a go?” said John Preston.

SIGN THE PETITION: The pdf form below can be downloaded, printed, completed (all information) and sent to: Attention: Mary Jane Blake c/- scone.com.au, PO Box 576, Scone. NSW. 2337. Alternatively you can visit one of the businesses below and sign the petition there.

Download the petition: 201803 – NSW LA Petition – Upper Hunter Shire Water Infrastructure

Local Businesses with the Petition include:

Aberdeen:

• Barton’s Newsagency
• Aberdeen Pharmacy
• Aberdeen Doctor’s Surgery
• Crofts bakery
• Pete’s Pizza

Merriwa:

Businesses in Merriwa are currently being arranged. If you can help please contact Mary Jane Blake: 0421 788 290

Murrurundi:

• Newsagency
• Chemist
• Nelliebellies Cafe

Scone:

• Ray White (formerly Dawson and Dawson)
• Thoroughbred Hotel/Cafe/Bakery
• Newsagency
• Scone Spare Parts and Accessories
• Cellarbrations
• Scone Discount Pharmacy
• Scone Chemist
• Victoria’s Hair & Beauty
• Willow Tree Hotel
• Colonel Motor Lodge with Timmy Thai Restaurant.