Poll proves Sydney is ahead of its Government on desalination - 14 December 2005

A new poll on desalination proves that the people of Sydney are way ahead of their Government, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.

“That 72% of the population would prefer that the money earmarked for the desalination project would be best spent on reuse and recycling should be a ‘no-brainer’ for the Government,” Mr Cohen said.

“Sydney-siders are leading the way showing the Government that they want, and are willing to pay for, the environmental long term solutions to our water needs.

“I am not surprised that the Newspoll survey found that 77% of the population was concerned about the greenhouse implications of the desalination plant. It is a pity that the NSW Government appears to be less informed than its people.

“As international pressure for action on climate change grows, generations of Sydneysiders are set to be burdened with this greenhouse intensive polluting eyesore at Kurnell.

“Premier Iemma should now act with courage and undo some of the damage left by Bob Carr. Over the summer he should develop an exit strategy that would allow the Government to get out of this giant folly.

“I very much welcome today's launch of SCUD (Sydney Community United against Desalination) as a further sign that Sydney really is opposed to desalination.

“Meanwhile the Greens will press ahead with the Upper House inquiry into desalination and Sydney's future water needs. Submissions to the committee are now open and should be made by mid-February,” Mr Cohen said.