No rain in catchment? No brain in Macquarie Street - 7 January 2007

The NSW Government is failing the people of Sydney if it uses the excuse of rain not falling in the Warragamba catchment area as a justification for Sydney’s water crisis, according to the Chair of an inquiry into a sustainable water supply for Sydney, NSW Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“If there were water tanks in every home in Sydney they would be full after the recent deluge,” said Mr Cohen.

“There would be no need for another bout of hand wringing over the fact that not enough rain fell in the catchment area if the government reinvested the $500 million dollars it has earmarked for desalination into giving free water tanks to Sydney homes.

“There would be a million little catchments all over the city instead.

“The government should also have moved to higher grade water restrictions before now but are scared to do so with an election looming. They will not be so concerned about public opinion if they are re-elected in March. We are more than likely to see a major clamp down by a cocky new ALP Government if we do not get decent rainfall before then.

“Praying for rain and planning for an expensive and energy intensive desalination plant is not a long term plan for ensuring a sustainable water supply for Sydney.

“NSW Taxpayers are entitled to a government that will listen seriously to the recommendations of the inquiry into a sustainable water supply for Sydney. It is clear that increased investment in water tanks, stormwater harvesting, demand management and recycling would be far more effective, cheaper and environmentally friendly than proceeding with desalination.

450 billion litres of Sydney’s wastewater is flushed into our oceans each year. A government that allows this to happen has no right to complain about rain not falling in the catchment, and they certainly should not be contemplating desalination whilst this criminal waste is allowed to continue.

They continue to ignore the most effective and simple solutions in favour of those that are most likely to grab a pre-election headline,” concluded Mr Cohen.

Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 3305 / 0431 320 085
Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466