ONE of the major figures involved in discussing regional water issues at the recent State Government Water Conference has been invited to see the complexities of water reform firsthand with a visit to the water authority that supplies water to Young.

Former Environment Minister Pam Allen was issued with the invitation by Young Shire Council’s delegate to Goldenfields Water County Council John McGregor, who expressed concern that Ms Allen was discussing Wagga Wagga City Council’s proposal to convert the Riverina and Goldenfields water authorities into a new Wagga based entity, yet she didn’t even know the location of Goldenfields.

Ms Allen joined a panel comprising Minister Nathan Rees, Executive Director of Water Services Association of Australia Ross Young and Chair of the Water Directorate of NSW Stewart McLeod for a two hour questions and answer session with the 200 delegates at the conference.

Mr McGregor’s invitation to Ms Allen has been endorsed by Goldenfields general manager Paul Wearne, whose staff and operation are centred in Temora and service an area over 20,000 square kilometres.

“We are hoping she will come here and then we can give her a look at how Goldenfields operates and how unique it is,” he said.

“I think the more people understand the complexities of water in NSW, and in the Goldenfields area, the better they can make informed decisions.”

Mr Wearne said Goldenfields was a unique part of the 107 water utilities that were under review by the State Government because they are the only water utility that still has bulk and retail customers. This includes a relatively high percent of rural clients, who receive water direct to their farms.

“My general perception is that the Mr Rees appears to be very forthright and genuine in his approach to see reform for the better within regional NSW,” he said, “ but my personal view is that the intricacies of water across the state make it difficult to have (only) one model that could successfully work.

He said the current mode of operations working in some parts of NSW were the most practical method of water delivery.

Water reform featured strongly at the conference, where it was revealed that the draft report would not be released until after the local government elections in September.