Feds hose down NSW on water reform - 26 September 2006

The Prime Minster’s plan to set up a federal water ministry is a positive move that leaves the New South Wales Government for dead on a comprehensive approach to water management issues in this state, said Ian Cohen, NSW Upper House Greens MP.

“The Federal Government appears to recognise that action on water supplies and management is urgent. This stands in stark contrast to the ad hoc approach of the NSW Government,” Mr Cohen said.

“The Premier and his ministers have done little to implement genuine and long-lasting solutions to the water crisis that confronts NSW. The Prime Minister has made it clear that inaction on the part of the states was a significant factor in his decision to create the ministry, to be headed up by Malcolm Turnbull.

“The Prime Minister also states more resources need to go into urban water recycling, a longstanding Greens policy. Small-scale recycling programs currently in place in Sydney need to be significantly expanded.

“Serious action is also needed in other areas, such as further incentives for water tanks, rather than unsustainable and expensive options such as transferring water from the Shoalhaven or desalination. More than $120 million of taxpayers money will be spent this year on preparatory plans for a desalination plant for Sydney, and others are mooted as options for dwindling Central Coast water supplies.

“Climate change, with increased temperatures and decreased rainfall, will have a dramatic impact on NSW’s water supplies. The Federal and State Governments must be held to account for their inaction.

“The ongoing drought has seriously reduced the water available to fire fighters in regional areas. The unseasonal severity of the recent bushfires are a further painful reminder that inaction on climate change will be disastrous.

“Morris Iemma can no longer indulge the head in the sand attitude of his climate sceptic treasurer, Michael Costa. This State requires the Government to commit serious funds, expertise and legislative muscle to the interwoven problems of water and climate change,” Mr Cohen said.

Further information: Michael Hidden 9230 2603 or 0431 320 085