The Local Government (Water Services) Bill (the Bill) was read for a third time yesterday, with the Hon Casey Costello speaking on behalf of the Minister for Local Government commenting that it "…give(s) local government the responsibility and the tools to address the challenges facing their communities and to more cost-effectively deliver water services." The Bill will come into force the day after it receives Royal assent, which may be later this week. This significant milestone marks the completion of the government's legislative programme to implement its Local Water Done Well policy.
The House considered the Bill between 29 July and 14 August, including an Amendment Paper in the name of the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Simon Watts. That paper made a number of technical changes to the Bill as reported back to the House from the Finance and Expenditure Committee (which we commented on in our July 2025 update).
One amendment of note is the additional requirements for councils that do not transfer responsibility for providing water services to a water organisation. Those councils will now need to submit further water services delivery plans by 3 September 2030, and every five years thereafter.
As anticipated, the Bill was divided into two before being passed: the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, and the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Bill. The latter makes changes to a number of other statutes including bringing water services under Part 4 of the Commerce Act 1986.
While the Bill will soon be law, work to implement water services reform is not over yet. The deadline for councils to deliver their water services delivery plans to the Secretary for Local Government by 3 September 2025 is rapidly approaching, after which councils and government will be turning their full attention towards implementation. Many councils are well underway with implementation– at least four councils have already had their plans approved.
Contact one of our experts for more information on implementing Local Water Done Well.
Co-authored by Hugo Schwarz (solicitor).
