The time taken to repair roads and footpaths dug up for water and sewerage works could be reduced by half under an historic agreement, NSW Local Government Minister Paul Toole has announced.
The leaders of 43 Sydney councils gathered at the Prince Henry Centre in Little Bay to sign the landmark memorandum of understanding between the councils and Sydney Water.
The MOU commits councils and Sydney Water to agreed timeframes, quality specifications and ongoing management practices for road and footpath restoration.
“I’d like to commend the innovation shown by Sydney’s councils in working together with Sydney Water to achieve a better outcome for the State’s ratepayers and taxpayers,” Mr Toole said.
“To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time this many councils have worked together to address the ongoing issue of road restoration.
Sydney Water Managing Director Kevin Young said, “All councils and Sydney Water have the same customer base and it is important that we work together to provide excellent service to our customers.
“The greater co-operation created by this agreement will ensure that this takes place”, said Mr Young.
Michael Hayes, Sydney Water’s Group Program Manager in Civil Delivery was instrumental in creating the agreement.
The MOU outlines that:
- Restoration works are aimed to be completed within 90 days
- Repair works can be undertaken by a local council or a private contractor to an agreed specification, ensuring best value.
- Quality of work is now agreed as part of set work quality specifications
- A series workshops are being conducted with the councils and Sydney Water to implement the agreements
- A software system is being developed for all participating councils to help track and monitor repair works
- An increased sharing of information between councils and Sydney Water about planned work
