Small projects to recycle water from two of Sydney’s ocean outfalls are distractions by a New South Wales Government that is relying on energy-guzzling projects to quench the thirst of the city, said Ian Cohen, NSW Greens Upper House MP.
“This is a positive first step to reuse effluent for watering council parks and gardens, saving millions of litres of drinking water each year. However, around 450 gigalitres of effluent from Sydney is pumped out to sea every year, which means these projects are unfortunately a drop in the bucket,” Mr Cohen said.
“The State Government today announced these small-scale projects – which have been driven primarily by innovative thinking of local government - while its plans for environmentally-damaging infrastructure projects lurk in the background.
“By the end of this year, $120 million of taxpayers’ money will be spent on preparatory work for the desalination plant at Kurnell, making this energy-guzzling plant a real possibility for Sydney.
“The Government also has plans to pump at least 30 billion litres of water from the Shoalhaven River, which would cause havoc for the local environment, business and tourism.
“The people of this state aren’t taken in by the spin, they want real solutions to the challenge of securing our water supply,” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Claire O’Rourke 0409 810 139 or 9230 3305
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