Desalination Infrastructure - Secret Plans Betray Residents - 2 February 2007

The Iemma government risks a voter backlash if it proceeds with its
energy intensive desalination plant while keeping communities in the
dark about its wider impacts, said Greens MLC Ian Cohen and Greens
candidate for Marrickville, Councillor Fiona Byrne.

"The pre-election secrecy regarding plans for suburbs that may be
affected, some of which are in marginal Labor seats, is appalling. The
Minister told Marrickville Council in December that he did not have
enough information about proposed pipeline routes. When were these
decisions made? There has been shockingly inadequate consultation
with those who are likely to be affected." Ms Byrne said.

"While the Minister says the infrastructure will not go through more
than 1km of residential streets, it will still cause major disruptions
to residents' lives, with roads and public spaces being dug up.

"This is yet another example of the Iemma government's large scale
infrastructure projects riding roughshod over communities without
looking at the wider implications such projects will have on people's
lives. We are seeing similar disregard for community concern over
the expansion of Port Botany." Ms Byrne said.

"The desalination plan highlights the lack of integration in the
government's water strategy. The government is ready to dig up
neighbourhoods for an energy guzzling desalination plant, while
stormwater infrastructure lies dormant and opportunities such as
disused gas pipelines, which could be used for transporting recycled
water, are ignored. Such solutions could provide a more sustainable
water supply for Sydney with less disruption for households." Mr
Cohen said.

"Does the $1.3 billion include the extensive pipe infrastructure that
would be needed through the suburbs, the excavation or potential
reclamation of houses? Will taxpayers be footing an even greater
bill for this insane plan, which would only provide less than 10%
of Sydney's water supply?

"The Greens plan for Sydney's water supply centres on rainwater
tanks, local grey water treatment, stormwater harvesting, wastewater
recycling, improved efficiency and stronger restrictions.

"If the $1.3 billion earmarked for desalination was instead directed
at water tank installation it would fit out two thirds of Sydney's
homes without homeowners having to spend a cent. It would also
effectively move the catchment to the coast, which is where the
majority of Sydney's rain falls." Mr Cohen said.

Contacts: Ian Cohen: 9230 2603 or 0409 989 466
Clr Fiona Byrne: 0401 719 120