THE Blackwood community is divided over a long-promised sewerage connection to the town.
Publican Heinz Mueller said a connection would attract more people to the area. But opinions are mixed.
“Some people have spent thousands on septic tanks and clearwater systems and have been told they wouldn’t be reimbursed,” Mr Mueller said.
“Some people don’t want change or progress. But people are spending huge amounts of money on land and they can’t build; all building permits are on hold until further notice.
“It needs to go ahead; we need some fresh blood in the town.”
Central Highlands Water will set up a working group to investigate alternative wastewater solutions. It is eight years since the town was first promised sewerage.
Moorabool mayor Pat Toohey criticised two state government ministers for failing to attend a community meeting attended by 70 residents. Cr Toohey demanded Southern Rural Water and Western Water be “pulled into line” for also missing the May 2 meeting.
“The Minister for Water, Peter Walsh, and Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, or representatives from their departments should have been at the meeting to try to come up with a sensible solution, but they were nowhere to be seen,” he said.
Southern Rural Water managing director Clinton Rodda said the company had provided almost $50,000 in the past four years to manage septic tanks in the area.
