I have raised this particular issue as a councillor within council on numerous occasions, to which I have received no support from fellow councillors.

I am of the view that water charges are nothing more than a cash cow for council. The general manager’s response to council the last time I raised the issue, on the difficulty of some ratepayers in paying those charges, was that council needs to consider it's future infrastructure funding going forward.

My view is that utility bills have now become the high end of household budgets, it is no good in having community infrastructure when sections of the community cannot afford to use it.

Three kids and a mortgage and it’s difficult when the water bills come in three times a year. Reading and understanding the bill is also a concern.

Given the community angst and council’s reply of possible reasoning for increased water bills, of the use automated sprinkler systems and or leaking taps is needs to be investigated. I can recall when water to households used to be unmetered, how far we have come in the pursuit of cash.

It is my intention to raise by notice of motion that an operational audit of all council businesses to be conducted by independent parties, with the objective to improve efficiencies and provide savings to the ratepayers of Griffith. I suggest that the community takes a look and see which councillors will support me.

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Born and raised on an irrigation farm at Griffith

Left school and to the "Big Smoke", find a job and hopefully not come to any harm

Too see how the others live, enjoy life and to make a quid

Dad and Mum not happy, we need a hand here on the farm.

Bit I was determined to make a success of it in Sydney town

The night life at Kings Cross was exciting, great and fast

Found a job and moved into a flat at Darlinghurst

Luckily this strong boy had the stamina to last.

Years rolled by, and a great life I was enjoying every day

But something seemed to be missing, although I had learnt the Sydney tricks

It took a long time to try and work out what it was

And then late one evening it hit me like a ton of bricks.

Of all the things that was to drag me back home

It wasn't missing Dad and Mum, the local wine or Italian bread

It was the bloody channel water that I had grown up with

So I left my job and board, packed my bags and back to Griffith I head.

That was forty years ago, and I am still here now

Settled down, married with four lovely kids and never more to roam

I am here forever, after experiencing the marvellous Sydney town

And will always thank the channel water for bringing me back home.