Shadow Minister for Energy and Water Utilities Steve Dickson said Labor’s out of control water policies had been catastrophic for councils around the state.

"In a blatant political decision, the Bligh government imposed an unworkable and unpopular water distributor-retail regime on councils.　 Now as councils try to wriggle free from the high cost debacle ratepayers are further slugged with tens of millions to dismantle the system.

"The embattled Gold Coast City Council voted to accept Robertson’s offer to free itself from the water, but now the minister is scrambling to find ways to block it.

"It was an offer all about politics not good policy.　 　Mr Robertson obviously thought they would refuse.　 Now the council has agreed to the water demerger option the minister looks like a rabbit caught in headlights."

The council has until 1 August to provide a water pricing plan to the Bligh government.　 That plan must be published by 1 September.

"All that the Bligh government has achieved with its so-called water reforms is to push up water prices to households and businesses," said Mr Dickson.

"This water torture is just part of the litany of mismanagement mishaps that this long-term incompetent government have forced on struggling Queensland families and businesses.

"This is a Minister whose career highlights include the infamous health payroll system, ignoring key advice in the lead up to the January floods, and sitting on his hands while household water prices soared," said Mr Dickson.

"People have had enough with this hopeless Bligh government – and it’s time for this minister to be stripped of his pay and perks – and banished to the backbench."

The LNP has already released a long term plan to control the cost of water for households. The LNP’s Four Point Plan for Water Prices includes:

"The CanDo LNP team has a Four Point Plan to control the spiralling cost of water for consumers," said Mr Dickson.