Gloucester Shire Council’s general manager Allan Young said while the report “virtually indicates that Gloucester can’t stand alone” the future of who will provide Gloucester’s services is still unclear.

The report, handed down earlier this year, was an independent panel’s report on an Inquiry into Secure and Sustainable Urban Water and Sewerage Services for non-metropolitan NSW.

Mr Young said it is his view that the endeavour of the report is aimed at making water and sewer self-funding.

One of the options identified in the report is for MidCoast Water to take on the responsibilities of water and sewerage for Gloucester, while another option was for a regional council group to be created.

Mr Young said, as a result, council has been engaged in talks with neighbouring councils, including a group of North Coast councils which has looked at a regional approach to water and sewer operations.

Council lodged a further submission with the state government expressing it’s preferences for the future of the shire’s water and sewer operations last Friday.

Mr Young said while Gloucester’s preference, as indicated to the state government, is to continue to stand alone, if that isn’t allowed, council would prefer to join a broader based, council owned, regional water corporation.

“Our stance hasn’t changed, it is still our view that a council owned regional water corporation would be the best option, acknowledging that there’s no likelihood of (Gloucester) standing alone,” Mr Young said.

While the uncertainty continues over the future operations of water and sewer council is continuing to push ahead with its plans for the upgrade of services to Barrington.

Mr Young said it is council’s priority for this work to occur.

He said council will fight to get the best deal for local consumers while the debate over who will run the water and sewer operations continues.