[Greens-Media] WA Greens introduce water conservation target laws: Paul Llewellyn

[Anderson, Sonia]

7 December 2008

GREENS INTRODUCE WATER CONSERVATION TARGET LAWS

Long term water security for regional communities is at the heart of a Water Conservation Target Bill introduced by Greens MLC for the South West Region Paul Llewellyn on the opening day of Parliament yesterday.

The Water Conservation Target Bill creates a legally-binding obligation for major water utilities like the Water Corporation, Aquwest and Busselton Water to meet per capital water use targets," said Mr Llewellyn.

"The target would require at least a 1.5% increase in water efficiency each year from 2009 to 2020.

"Such a bill is completely in line with public thinking. Water Corporation's community research shows that people recognise that we need to reduce our water use , and this is a sensible alternative to building more dams, pipelines and desalination plants.

"People are recognising that the climate is getting drier, and the fact that we've needed to truck water to our 'high rainfall' towns like Denmark, Northcliffe and Walpole in the past two years
. is a pretty big wake up call.

"We can make big water savings by putting with water efficient appliances and fittings, rainwater tanks and grey water re-use systems into our homes, businesses and industries. For new housing estates, we can also create estate-wide wastewater recycling systems for gardens and toilets. We can make the shift to water wise gardens where up to 40 percent of water is otherwise used.

"The Water Corporation's water efficiency calculator shows that an average household with a small garden can slash its water consumption to 40% of its current use by taking all of these options...and that is without any loss of convenience or lifestyle. These water savings can be made before we've even begun to deal with leaky pipes on both sides of the water meter, which can account for a staggering 10-20% of water consumption," Mr Llewellyn said.

"Water saving and efficiency is also good for local business. For example, we will see more jobs for plumbers, water tank suppliers, irrigation experts and native garden specialists.

"The Water Conservation Target Bill creates the right signal for this investment in our regional communities and a secure water future. Such a scheme already exists in other places, such as New South Wales, and they are on target to save 24% of their water by 2015.

"It is time for Western Australians to get real on water and set some sensible, practical and achievable targets.  I urge the government to get behind this bill, as a vital measure for our long-term water security."


For more information contact Paul Llewellyn on 0428 317 182 or 9848 1555