Some MP’s might be surprised to hear that many regional communities struggle with a reliable supply of quality drinking water.

Yep – in 2021, the colour of tap water in a number of the towns I serve is often brown and smelly.

The community of Yass are the latest to make some noise – but this is an issue people in Cooma, Bombala, Tumbarumba, Bega and Tathra can also relate to.

It’s clear to everyone that water quality in Yass needs fixing; it’s a situation that has gone on for too long and is causing increased anxiety and frustration in the community, not to mention stripping away the opportunity Yass offers new families and businesses.

Yass Valley Council has been tenacious in their advocacy to the NSW Government for some time and to their credit have presented a solution.

There is at least progress on a short-term fix - but I think the community deserves better than that.

A new water treatment plant is what Council says the community needs long-term.

It’s an insult that the Liberal – National Government in NSW are spending 2021 crunching the numbers, asking themselves “Is Yass worth it?”

My answer every time is YES!

A brown and smelly shower would not be tolerated in the city, but year after year the residents of Yass have had to put up with just that.

We really need to see some solid progress on this issue.

Regional growth and the prosperity that flows needs confidence, and a government that understands how country towns and economies work.

I will continue to support the community and Council in achieving a solution because I am on their side.

Photo: With Yass Mayor Rowena Abby and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.

Media contact: Ian Campbell, phone 0417 482 171