[Greens-Media] Report blasts another hole in case for Tillegra

[John Kaye]

Report blasts another hole in case for Tillegra
 
Media release: 3 August 2009
 
A UTS report showing that Tillegra dam is not needed to maintain reliable water supplies for the Hunter should cause NSW Water Minister Phil Costa to put the project on hold, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "Without Tillegra, the chances of a critical water shortage developing are one in a million and even then there will be plenty of warning.
 
"The myth that population growth will drive the need for the massive dam near Dungog has been exposed.  
 
"With better use of water restrictions in drought time, world's best practice water efficiency and re-use in new housing developments and compulsory use of recycled water in industry, the Hunter has a secure water future without Tillegra.
 
"Hunter Water has hoodwinked the state government into believing the dam is essential.
 
"It is time to put the project on hold and ask the questions that should have been answered long before the project git this far.
 
"The Hunter community is being asked to pay $477 million for a dam they do not need.
 
"There should now be the opportunity to ask them what they want.
 
"The project should be suspended for an independent study that looks at the supply needs of the Lower Hunter and community attitudes to water restrictions.
 
"The Rees government is allowing itself to be railroaded into the dam by Hunter Water's enthusiasm for a big engineering project.
 
"The Premier and his Water Minister should put the brakes on and start listening to the community and to independent experts," Dr Kaye said. 
 
Newcastle Herald story 'Report rejects grounds for Tillegra Dam' 3 August, can be found at:
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/report-rejects-grounds-for-tillegra-dam/1584603.aspx
 
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