Inquiry a chance to plunge into sustainable water future - 17 February 2006

Greens MLC Ian Cohen today expressed hope that the parliamentary inquiry into a sustainable water supply for Sydney would steer the government in a more cost effective and environmentally friendly direction in its sourcing and use of water.

“Submissions close today for the Upper House inquiry. It is going full steam ahead despite the government’s shelving of the proposed desalination plant. I see the inquiry as a great opportunity for the government to pay attention to the great number of creative solutions that exist to Sydney’s supposed water shortage. We have a higher annual rainfall than London. As I have been saying all along – Sydney does not have a shortage of water, it just wastes too much water. Here is a chance for the government to listen to experts and to the community about ways of harnessing this valuable resource,” Mr Cohen said.

“While I strongly welcomed the government’s putting the proposed desalination plant on ice I have concerns about the sincerity of the announcement. There are indications that the government is still proceeding with the proposal and the public would be distressed to think that the unpopular plan could be revived after the state election next year.

“The government has said it will go ahead with pilot desalination plants, seek approval for a 125 megalitre desalination plant, purchase the Kurnell proposed plant site and purchase final designs for the plant. I am gravely concerned that once the government sets the ball rolling, there will be no turning back from desalination whether it is needed or not. We saw in the 1980s the Wran government pushing the ocean outfall strategy, which set water utilities in the wrong direction for decades. It would be a great shame to see this government repeat that mistake and tie itself into a knot financially and logistically.

“I am also alarmed by the government’s claim that extensive public consultation has already been undertaken and will guide future planning. Surely the result of this consultation indicates that a desalination plant is not wanted by the public. Any future planning for Sydney’s water supply should heed input from the public, including the outcomes of this inquiry. Sustainable schemes such as demand management, stormwater harvesting and water recycling should be properly investigated before any further expenditure is made on desalination plans.” Mr Cohen said.