[Greens-Media] Desal go-ahead brings logic to its knees

[John Kaye]

Desal go-ahead brings logic to its knees 
 
Media Release: 19 July 2007
 
The announcement by the NSW Government that construction on Sydney’s
massive desalination plant will begin in July defies all logic, Greens
MP John Kaye said today.
 
Premier Iemma announced the next step in the construction of the
Kurnell desalination plant despite the complete absence of advice that
an immediate start is needed.
 
Dr Kaye said: “Premier Iemma and his Water Utilities Minister Nathan
Rees are committing Sydney households to a 250 megalitre a day
desalination plant even though water storage levels are above 55%.
 
“According to the Government’s own data, this will drive up water bills
by $100 a year for the average household.
 
“Nothing has changed since the original expert advice that said that a
start on constructing the desalination is not needed until storage
levels fall to 30%. 
 
“There has been no new expert report, no new advice and no changes in
technology. 
 
“The whole point of the 30% trigger is that it would give Sydney enough
time to build a desalination plant as a last resort.
 
“The Iemma government is squandering this last opportunity to delay an
expensive white elephant. They could be using the time to investigate
other ways to manage demand if storages head back down.
 
“Water efficiency measures, rainwater tanks and recycling are much more
sensible and affordable supply options.
 
“Premier Iemma and Water Utilities Minister Nathan Rees are completely
ignoring the 2006 Metropolitan Water Strategy and a raft of expert
advice that states the obvious: don’t start building an expensive plant
until we need to,” Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: John.Kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000