COUNCILLORS continue to be frustrated by the slow pace of the NSW Government's critical needs list for water infrastructure projects.
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At every Bathurst Regional Council meeting this year where water has been discussed, councillors have asked for an update on Bathurst's progress in getting added to the list.
They've grown increasingly angry, feeling "the bureaucrats" were making it nearly impossible by continuing to demand more information.
Two of Bathurst's water infrastructure projects were finally added to the list last month, but it hasn't done much to quell frustrations.
At the May 20 meeting, deputy mayor Ian North asked Engineering Services director Darren Sturgiss if the "fine print" had been finalised on the list yet.
"We're working through with the state government with some of the additional work that they require us to do and we'll have that to them as rapidly as we can," Mr Sturgiss said.
His comments didn't impress Cr North, who incredulously asked "We've got to do more work?".
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Mr Sturgiss explained that technical data was required to justify some of the work.
"Have they been given direction by the government or our state member to actually get their butt into gear and actually get going?" Cr North asked.
"I'm sorry, but what did we provide, a 700-page document with consultants, with solicitors and that to get onto the list. All I keep hearing is they keep asking for more information.
"Do we need to go to Gladys [Berejiklian] or someone and say 'For God's sake, how many documents do we need?' and stop these bureaucrats with things on their desks saying 'We want more information'?
"This is just wasting time. Do they not understand 'critical'?"
Cr Alex Christian expressed a similar view.
Mr Sturgiss said he believes the work council is doing now will be the final documentation that will be required. He also said council's frustrations with the process have been conveyed.