Wheatley backs Rymer's push for water system overhaul

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley has publicly backed Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer's determination to tackle the Territory's water supply problems, calling him a "high-performing minister" who refuses to tolerate unresolved issues.

Wheatley made the remarks while discussing recent efforts to strengthen water infrastructure across the islands. He characterised Rymer as someone deeply committed to completing the work, noting that the minister's drive for results creates demands on his own office.

"He puts a lot of pressure on me to make sure that he has what he needs to be able to get the job done," Wheatley said.

Rymer has outlined a substantial funding requirement to overhaul the water system. An additional $5 million for water infrastructure is slated for consideration by the House of Assembly. This would complement $8 million already drawn from the Government's $100 million loan facility. In total, Rymer has indicated that $20 million must be invested to restore the entire system and establish a realistic completion date.

The Premier stressed that solving the water challenge demands coordinated action across government and expressed optimism that the planned spending will deliver dependable access to clean water throughout the Territory.

Residents have continued to report erratic water supply in various parts of the islands. Wheatley's public backing of Rymer follows similar support from Deputy Premier Julian Fraser and political commentator Claude Skelton Cline.