[Greens-Media] Desalination pipeline route adds both insult and injury

[John Kaye]

Desalination pipeline route adds both insult and injury

Media release: 26 April 2007

The Iemma government demonstrated its contempt for the people of
Sydney by releasing the preferred route for pipeline from the Kurnell
desalination plant over the Anzac Day public holiday, according to
Greens NSW MP and water utilities spokesperson John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: "We already knew that the proposed desalination plant
would be unnecessary, expensive and environmentally damaging and that
it would expose the state to huge financial risks.

"We can now add to that list the unacceptable noise and amenity
impacts on residents along the route of the pipeline and damage to
Botany Bay.

"The Iemma government knew this latest insult would be unacceptable so
they carefully selected the day to release the preferred route. They
were obviously hoping that affected residents would not notice until
the jackhammers started tearing up their streets.

"With Planning Minister Sartor set to use the extraordinary 'critical
infrastructure' powers granted to his portfolio, there will be little
or no meaningful public consultation and most environmental
regulations and laws will be ignored.

"Given the appalling disruption to their lives and the enjoyment of
their homes, local residents have been dealt a very raw deal.

"It is not too late for the Iemma government to get out of the
desalination project and save Sydney from the disruption, costs and
financial risks  and to avoid the massive greenhouse gas emissions
that the plant will cause.

"All it would take would be a little political leadership and some
sensitivity to the environment and to the people of Sydney," Dr Kaye
said.

For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455

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John Kaye
phone: 0407 195 455
email: john at nsw.greens.org.au
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