A call from regional councils for $5 billion to fix ageing water and sewerage infrastructure has received an immediate political response at a major conference in Ballina.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have promised a $5 billion, 10-year regional water infrastructure fund if elected next year, matching the scale of investment sought by Local Government NSW and the NSW Water Directorate.

The commitment came as close to 300 delegates gathered in Ballina this week for the NSW Local Government Water Management Conference, hosted by Ballina Shire Council.

LGNSW and the Water Directorate used the conference to launch their six-point Regional Water Action Plan, warning that safe, reliable and affordable water services for almost two million people could be put at risk without urgent investment.

Their plan calls on the NSW Government to provide $5 billion in capital grants to Local Water Utilities over at least the next decade.

LGNSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne said the NSW Auditor-General had identified almost $1 billion urgently needed to keep water infrastructure operational, while broader sector estimates put priority investment needs at about $5 billion.

“Councils in regional communities simply cannot do this alone and shouldn’t be expected to,” Mayor Byrne said.

The plan also calls for action on drinking water quality, including emerging contaminants such as PFAS, reduced regulatory burdens, support for councils unable to recover the full cost of their water and sewerage systems, and investment in workforce development.

Opposition promises royalties-backed fund

The Liberals and Nationals have responded with a $5 billion, 10-year commitment under their proposed Regional Infrastructure Guarantee.

A new Royalties for Regional Water Fund would replace the former Safe and Secure Water Program and use mining royalties to help build and replace pipelines, treatment plants and other water and sewerage infrastructure.

The Opposition says the fund would be backed by legislation to lock in continued investment and would also finance infrastructure needed to unlock new housing and industrial development.

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said ageing and inadequate infrastructure was holding back regional communities.

“Across regional NSW, housing growth, industry, local economies, and job creation are being stifled by infrastructure that has reached its limits,” Ms Sloane said.

“In some communities, people don’t have access to clean water. Brown water coming out of your tap is just not acceptable in 2026.”

NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said better water infrastructure was also essential to increasing housing supply and regional economic development.

Shadow Water Minister Steph Cooke, who attended the Ballina conference, said the new program had been developed following consultation with the water and local government sectors.

“This program is designed to build the foundational infrastructure needed to attract new families and new business to the bush now and in the future,” Ms Cooke said.

“Importantly, money will once again flow into more pressing infrastructure projects, such as pipelines and treatment plants.”

Ballina Mayor backs long-term investment

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, who hosted the conference and is also deputy chair of Rous County Council, backed the councils’ six-point action plan and welcomed the Opposition’s funding commitment.

“Regional and rural communities deserve a water and sewerage system that is safe, reliable, sustainable, and fit for the future,” Cr Cadwallader said.

She said long-term investment, sensible regulation, a skilled workforce and stronger collaboration between local water utilities were all needed.

“Councils in the bush are really hurting. They are doing an incredible job under trying circumstances,” she said.

Cr Cadwallader said the Coalition’s proposed $5 billion fund would provide regional councils and communities with greater certainty to plan and deliver essential infrastructure.

“For local water utilities, having a legislated fund providing ongoing support in perpetuity is a significant step forward,” she said.

The announcements capped a significant week for water policy in Ballina.

Earlier in the conference, the Minns Government announced the Richmond River would become the state’s first demonstration catchment for a new Integrated Catchment Management approach, including the appointment of a Richmond River Catchment Coordinator.

With the NSW election now about six months away, the Ballina conference has put both regional water infrastructure and the health and future management of the state’s water catchments firmly on the political agenda.

Photo: NSW Opposition Water Shadow Minister Steph Cooke with Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader

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