In recent years, we have conducted extensive community engagement about options for the future of the Community Waste Management Systems (CWMS). The community was clear that the assets should be retained in public ownership.
Many of you also expressed a preference for SA Water’s ownership and operation of our CWMS assets.
SA Water, as the states’ biggest water utility, has significantly larger scale of operations, expertise and economies of scale compared with council. Its ownership and operation of the CWMS networks would likely result in a reduction in wastewater charges for many customers.
We have made a number of approaches to the South Australian Government on this matter over recent months. In support of these, Council has also resolved to undertake a petition to the South Australian Parliament’s House of Assembly.
How to sign the petition
The petition must comply with the House of Assembly guidelines for petitions. These provide a specific template for petitions and a requirement for petitions to be physically signed. As a result we are unable to provide an online option to sign the petition.
House of Assembly guidelines for petitions
The petition is available to be signed at Council offices, libraries and community centres from 31 October 2024 to 20 January 2025.
Use the locations map to find your closest location. Although the petition is on display at multiple locations (council offices, libraries and community centres), you should only sign it once.
In January 2025 it will be presented to a local Member of Parliament for tabling in Parliament. Whatever the outcome of this petition council continues to explore opportunities for greater efficiencies in our CWMS.
Background
We operate seven Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS) networks across the city. The seven CWMS networks, service communities in Clarendon, Maslin Beach, McLaren Flat, McLaren Vale, Morphett Vale, Sellicks Beach and Willunga.
These networks were established in the 1960s to serve areas outside SA Water’s sewer network. Since their establishment the city has experienced considerable urban growth and an expansion of SA Water’s sewer network.
You can find more information about our CWMS network here.
Over recent years we have conducted a strategic review of our water assets.
