“A new report, ‘The economics of rainwater tanks and alternative water supply options’, proves that power to manage domestic water supply should be handed back to the people,” said Greens Upper House environment spokesman Ian Cohen today.
“If a modest water tank installation program will make the proposed desalination plant redundant, then why is Premier Iemma insisting that it still go ahead?
“The answer is that it’s all about power of government. Premier Iemma’s desalination response to water scarcity is about maintaining centralised state control over water supply - a good earner for the government. Water utilities make money from consumption, they’re less interested in conserving water and empowering people to manage their own supply. The real solution is to decentralise control.” Said Mr Cohen.
According to the report commissioned by leading environment NGOs the Australian Conservation Foundation, Environment Victoria and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, “widespread installation of rainwater tanks in Australian capital cities would mean big savings in water, energy and money”.
“The NSW government has made a step in the right direction by increasing the water tank rebate, but needs to recognise the potential of this initiative goes well beyond the greening of government public relations.
“Domestic water supply must be decentralised. As long as the water utilities and the government maintain centralised control of water, their monopolistic and vested interests in consumption and revenue, will continue to trump community efforts to use water resources more efficiently.
“Government intransigence on this issue, should also be viewed as proof of a preference for privatisation of water resources ahead of community control.” Mr Cohen said.
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