Plans to recycle water from the Botany Aquifer for industrial use are a small step in the right direction, but they also illustrate the dubious history of that site and the NSW Government’s ad hoc approach to water recycling, according to NSW Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“NSW pumps 450 billion litres of water a year into the ocean. The Premier claims that his government plans to be recycling 70 billion litres a year by 2012. Even if that figure is achieved then it is still only a small percentage of the water that we waste,” Mr Cohen said.
“Small schemes such as this are worthwhile as a fringe option, but achieving major water savings through recycling requires a large scale commitment rather than a pre electoral series of boutique projects.
“I also have concerns about this particular project. The Government proposes to give Orica and two other companies $1.4 million with which to make the necessary piping and plant modifications.
“Orica has a toxic history in Port Botany, and these corporations will also be able to make a profit on selling any excess water to other businesses. Surely in these circumstances they, rather than the taxpayer, should be paying for any internal modifications.
“I acknowledge that small scale recycling schemes, however flawed, are better than no recycling at all. There is room for vast improvement however. The parliamentary inquiry I chaired earlier this year found that the money earmarked for an expensive and energy guzzling desalination plant would be far better spent on large scale recycling of our ocean outfalls, storm water harvesting, and increased and better targeted rebates for water tanks.
“450 billion litres a year is an awful lot of water to waste, especially when we are confronted by drought and climate change. This proposal is not unwelcome, but the government needs to do much more than take baby steps on recycling,” Mr Cohen concluded.
Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 3305 / 0431 320 085
Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
No comments:
Post a Comment