[Greens-Media] Desal contract covers up more than it reveals

[John Kaye]

Desal contract covers up more than it reveals
 
Media Release: 17 September 2007
 
Blacking out key payment data in the desalination contract means that
Sydney water users will never know how much they are paying to the
private sector operators when the plant is not needed, according to
Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Commenting on a story on page 1 of the Sydney Morning Herald Dr Kaye
said: “NSW Water Utilities Minister Nathan Rees finally released the
contract for the operation and maintenance of the desalination plant
after months of pressure from the Greens.
 
“However the breakdown of costs paid by Sydney Water to the private
sector operator, Veolia, has been hidden.
 
“Trotting out the usual ‘commercial in confidence’ excuse, Minister
Rees will not let the public know how much the plant will be paid when
it is not operating.
 
“The contract binds Sydney Water’s subsidiary, Sydney Desalination
Plant Pty Ltd, to pay the operators for the costs they incur regardless
of the level of operation of the plant.
 
“By committing Sydney households to pay for the costs of the plant when
it is not needed, the Iemma government has signed away important
incentives for rainwater tanks and other water saving measures.
 
“By hiding the amounts to be paid, Minister Rees leaves the community
in the dark about how much they will pay.
 
“Sydney’s water storages are at almost 60%. Anther couple of downpours
like the one Sydney experienced in July would see water flowing over the
spillway at Warragamba. 
 
“By forcing Sydney households to continue to pay the operators of the
desalination plant when the dams are full, the Iemma government has
delivered a massive gift to the Veolia corporation.
 
“We will never know how big this gift is,” 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
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000