Kristy McBain criticises NSW government over Yass water fix

In a speech on Wednesday, Ms McBain said the $2 million upgrade to the existing plant funded by the NSW government was an improvement but said a new plant was what the community needed in the long term.

"There is at least progress on a short-term fix but I think the community deserves better than that," she said

"A new water treatment plant is what council says the community needs long term.

"It is an insult that the Liberal National government in NSW is spending 2021 crunching the numbers asking themselves 'Is Yass worth it?'," she said.

"My answer every time is 'Yes'."

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Ms McBain said water quality issues in Yass had persisted for too long.

"[It is] causing increased anxiety and frustration in the community and not to mention is stripping away the opportunity Yass offers new families and businesses," she said.

"A brown, smelly shower would not be tolerated in the city but, year after year, the residents of Yass have to put up with just that.

"We really need to see some solid progress on this issue.

"Regional growth and the prosperity that flows from this needs confidence and a government that understands how country towns and economies work."

In a Facebook post, Ms McBain said she expected to receive an update on the situation from Yass Valley Council on Thursday afternoon.

Last month, the NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment delayed a $31.2 million plan for a new water treatment plant.

Contractors Hunter H2O developed the plan for Yass Valley Council and this was the council's preferred solution.

The development of a new plant is now at stage two of a three-stage plan to fix Yass' water.

A peer review into plans for a new water treatment plant will run until May 2021.

Following the review, Yass council is expected to complete the design and the business case for the plant by February 2022.

A spokesperson from the Department said discussions with the council on the new water treatment plant would resume after the business case was completed.

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