[Greens-Media] QLD GREENS MEDIA RELEASE: Greens give in principle support to stormwater recycling

[Qld Greens Media]

*QLD GREENS MEDIA RELEASE*
*Tuesday 29^th August 2006*
*Greens give in principle support to stormwater recycling*
The Greens have today given in principle support to the prospect of 
stormwater recycling for South East Queensland, following the launch of 
such a project in Adelaide this morning.
However the Greens believe there are a number of questions that would 
need to be addressed before such a scheme was deemed appropriate for 
Queensland.
Greens lead spokesperson, Juanita Wheeler said issues needing addressing 
included the quality of stormwater, and the environmental impact upon 
the aquifers and receiving waters.
“Stormwater is often as polluted as sewerage effluent – especially in 
urban areas where it can include animal waste and rubbish from roads, 
and should not be perceived as ‘pure’ run off water.”
Ms Wheeler said the environmental impact of the process as well as the 
quality of the water are important issues.
“If stormwater is going to be pumped into an aquifer, we need an 
environmental impact study to determine the impact the process will have 
on the quality of the water within the aquifers.”

“The quality of aquifer water can be as important as the quality of 
water in rivers and creeks, as it can make its way to the surface from 
time to time.”
Ms Wheeler said any environmental impact study would also need to 
consider the potential damage to the natural catchment and receiving 
waters that could result from too much water going where it doesn’t 
belong, with too little going where it should.
“You have to take into account the need for natural environmental flows 
which are essential to maintain the ecological health of estuaries and 
waterways in general.”

While the Greens have given in principle support to stormwater being 
used for industry and rural use, they stress that a far more innovative 
and long term solution to the water crisis is the introduction of 6-star 
recycled water into our dams along with demand management and rainwater 
tanks.


*-ENDS-*
For further information please contact:
Juanita Wheeler

Candidate for Mount Coot-tha

Spokesperson, Queensland Greens

Mobile: 0402 487 110


-- 
www.qld.greens.org.au

State election Spokesperson. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110

Queensland Greens media spokespeople.

Climate Change and Indigenous. Drew Hutton 0428 487 110
Human Rights and Environment. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110
Transport and Planning. Greg George 0424 725 719

Queensland Greens campaign coordinator.
Ian Gittus 0422 542 370

Office 3846 0862
fax 3844 4654

www.qld.greens.org.au