[Greens-Media] The browning of the NSW Coalition - from bad to worse

[John Kaye]

The browning of the NSW Coalition - from bad to worse

Media Release 21 July 2007

Opposition leader Barry O’Farrell’s retreat from sewerage recycling for
drinking water and his support for a new coal fired power station
shatter any remaining shred of environmental credibility he might have
had, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye

Dr Kaye said: “The NSW Opposition has always been appalling on a whole
range of environmental issues including irrational opposition to marine
parks and support for new motorways.

“But at least they were open to recycling sewerage, even if the plans
they took to the last election were poorly thought out and failed to
give adequate emphasis on rain water tanks and efficiency measures.

“Mr O’Farrell has now given in to the bullying of the Iemma government
and announced he will not go to the next election with a platform of
recycling sewerage for drinking water.

“This is a tragedy that risks locking NSW into environmentally
devastating projects like more desalination plants and new dams to meet
population growth.

“Ruling out potable reuse of sewerage is silly and unsupportable and
shows he doesn’t have the ticker to take on the government on
environmental issues.

“His support for a new coal fired power station may be reluctant but it
is real and damaging. 

“Coalition voters who are deeply concerned about the impact that yet
more coal burning will have on this state’s greenhouse gas emissions
will be left wondering why Mr O’Farrell and his party do not take on the
government on this crucial issue.

“Treasurer and coal fanatic Michael Costa will be rejoicing at finding
his new ally in the battle to force new base load electricity capacity
onto this state.

“The only positive we can find is that Mr O’Farrell has dumped his
predecessor’s plan to sack 20 thousand public sector workers.

“Barry O’Farrell is operating in a policy vacuum but has chosen to
announce two policy directions early in his term that bode ill for the
environment.

“Our message to both the Iemma government and Mr O’Farrell is that it is
not too late to get on board with recycling and to join up to the
campaign for a renewables-based electricity industry,” Dr Kaye said.

For more details: John Kaye 0407 195 455