Labor Backflip on Beachwatch
Published 07 May 2024
6 May 2024
The Minns Labor Government has backflipped on its decision to cut funding to local councils that deliver the Beachwatch pollution monitoring program.
After sustained pressure from the Opposition, affected councils and community groups, the NSW Government has implemented a new 12-month consultation period.
This means the new user pays system will now come into effect from 1 July 2025. The Opposition says the Government’s Beachwatch back-flip is only a short-term reprieve which won’t save the vital environmental program longer term and is calling on the Minns Government to rule out any funding cuts at the end of the consultation period.
Shadow Environment Minister Kellie Sloane says the backflip is “a clear admission of error by the Minns Labor Government that failed to understand the costs it was shifting onto local councils”.
Under Labor’s plan, Councils would have been saddled with additional costs to continue delivering the program including Waverley ($19,000), Randwick ($39,000), Sutherland Shire ($60,000) and Northern Beaches Council ($130,000).
“Labor blindsided councils by turning the program into a user pays system. While it’s great they’ve recognised the impact of those significant unbudgeted expense for councils, this is simply shifting the pain into the next budget cycle, if the Government were serious they would rule out any further cuts,” said Ms Sloane.
The former Liberal and Nationals Government committed $18.5 million over 10 years to expand the Beachwatch program and provide more services to regional councils.
“Regular water testing of our beaches keeps us safe, and it also provides the data we need to identify sources of contamination and protect the environment. With the NSW Governments AAA credit rating at risk due to economic mismanagement, the Minns Labor Government should not be trying to cut cost in the Environment portfolio putting our swimmer’s health and safety at risk.”
MEDIA: Nick McNamara | 0435 934 252 | nick.mcnamara@parliament.nsw.gov.au