Water and Energy the Focus for World Environment Day - 5 June 2006

Greens MLC and environment spokesperson Ian Cohen said his wish-list for NSW on World Environment Day, which is tomorrow, included a greater push towards renewable energy and a more sustainable approach to water.

“The decision by the Commonwealth, NSW and Victorian governments not to sell the Snowy Hydro scheme, a major water and renewable energy asset, is a major victory of people-power and a great World Environment Day present. But it is crucial that we get water flowing down the once mighty Snowy River. The three governments made a promise to the people to return to 28% of natural flows to the river. We have to keep up the pressure to make sure that promise is kept.” Mr Cohen said.

“This government needs a fresh approach to water management. Our river systems and wetlands are dying. It is encouraging that the government has allocated funds to buy back water for river health, although there is still a massive over-allocation of water resources. A shift in thinking is also needed to ensure a sustainable supply of water for urban areas. The shelving of the proposed desalination plant and announcements of water recycling projects are a good start, but far more needs to be done to ensure a sustainable supply of water, not just for Sydney but also the rest of NSW.

“With climate change upon us, a major shift is needed towards energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. The nuclear debate is a dangerous distraction from the real need for government support for renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geo-thermal and wave. Here is massive untapped potential in clean energy, employment and investment. With the government’s Energy White Paper still to be released, the government must make a commitment not to build another coal-fired power station. Geo-thermal energy can deliver a secure base-load power supply.

“Energy efficiency and demand management also need to be tackled seriously. PricewaterhouseCoopers has shown how great amounts of greenhouse emissions can be reduced with their energy efficient light system. They deserve a World Environment Day prize and I urge others to follow suit. In the face of private initiatives like this to cut energy use, the government would be utterly foolish to back down on its support for energy efficiency. It must not cave in to property developers on the successful BASIX scheme.” Mr Cohen said.