Cooperation the key to easing water pressure - 16 October 2006

The NSW Government must support calls for a national Water Summit, said NSW Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“I fully support the idea mooted by my federal colleague Senator Rachel Siewert” said Mr Cohen, who earlier this year chaired a Parliamentary Inquiry into a Sustainable Water Supply for Sydney.

“For too long the states have adopted a piecemeal and short term approach to this vital issue.

“We are already dealing with the most severe drought on record. This is devastating farming communities, and will ultimately affect the whole community as grocery prices rise. Short-term drought relief is needed but it is only the first step.

“The ongoing pressure on our urban water supplies also increases the likelihood of further water restrictions. The public have shown a willingness to reduce their water usage. They need support from their governments.

“The solutions we ultimately implement must be comprehensive, they must rise above party politics and interstate bickering, and they must address the issue of climate change.

“It is vital to attack the notion that water is something that can be used only once. It is too scarce a resource to be wasted.

“Senator Siewert’s idea has considerable merit. This is an issue where interstate cooperation and communication are vital. Morris Iemma should talk to his fellow Labor premiers, put pressure on the Federal Government, and make it happen sooner rather than later” Mr Cohen said.


Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 3305 or 0431 320 085