[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