[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Greens to introduce Water Conservation Bill

[Parnell]

Media Release
5th September 2007

Greens to introduce Water Conservation Bill

SA worst in nation on water help for households


Residents in SA receive the least help of any mainland state when it comes to saving water, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.  So to help shift the focus of SA Water towards water conservation, Mark Parnell will introduce a Bill into State Parliament that sets a binding annual water conservation target for the state's water authority to meet.

"Most other states offer rebates for things like water saving washing machines, pool covers, and greywater systems - but not here," Mr Parnell said.

"With the current restrictions, there appears to be a hell of a lot of stick with not much carrot - where is the help for households to cut down their water use?  

"Currently, water conservation is not in SA Water's job description - that simply must change.  SA Water can and must do more to help households and businesses reduce water use, so we can wean Adelaide off the Murray.

"SA Water is central to any water solution in Adelaide.  At the moment, the Government uses them as a cash cow.  While that continues their priority will always be selling more water rather than less," he said.

Greens MLC Mark Parnell will introduce the Statutes Amendment (Water Conservation Target) Bill when Parliament resumes. The Bill will:

§      Set SA Water a binding annual water conservation target;

§      Shift the focus of SA Water away from just supplying water and making profits for government, and more towards saving and recycling water;

§      Require SA Water to report yearly on progress in reducing demand for water; and,

§      Require SA Water to ensure they have a sufficient, sustainable source of water before expanding areas of water supply to new subdivisions. 

 
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893
 
 


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