BEGA MP Andrew Constance has clarified comments he made in last week’s Bay Post/Moruya Examiner that he was not pursuing “a full inquiry” into claims gas piping was used for a Eurobodalla waterline.
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Moruya resident Damien Rogers claims the wrong pipe may have been used in a 30km stretch of mains water pipe to Batemans Bay, with a potential risk of water contamination.
Eurobodalla Shire Council has denied the claims.
Mr Constance last week said he had passed the complaint onto Treasury officials and wanted “transparency”.
However, he stopped short of saying he had inititated a “full inquiry”.
Mr Rogers then accused Mr Constance of backflipping on a commitment made before witnesses.
However, Mr Constance this week said the allegations were “serious” and a full inquiry was likely.
“I regard the issues that have been raised to be concerning and there must be full transparency,” he said.
“I have taken the allegations to the head of NSW Treasury, who has oversight for NSW Public Works - the government agency that worked with the council on the project.
“I am waiting to hear back from him.
“I took it forward to the department a number of weeks ago.
“Following this initial assessment by him and depending on his response, I would indicate a full inquiry into the matter is most likely.”
Mr Constance said he would seek the pipeline specifications from the department this week.
“I would call on the council to release all information to the community to clarify what has occurred here,” he said.
Last week, a council spokesman said correct procedures were followed.
“The pipeline was specifically designed for water,” he said.
He said staff had inspected the pipes at the manufacturing plant.
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