[Greens-Media] Media Release: Conflicts of interest must stop when allocating scarce water

[Ian Cohen]

Ian Cohen MLC
Media Release
10 May 2010

Conflicts of interest must stop when allocating scarce water

Greens MLC Ian Cohen appeared before a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into
Water Management today urging greater transparency when in comes to
recommendations and decisions made regarding water allocations after a
Freedom of Information request by his office uncovered potential
instances of undue influence by mining interests.
 
“Despite recent rains, communities and the environment are still
suffering from severe water shortages in regional NSW,” said Mr
Cohen.
 
“Documents my office received after a recent Freedom of Information
request suggest that some decisions could be being made which are only
in the best interests of big water users, including Barrick Gold,
instead of the wider community.
 
“This goes against the requirements of section 60(3) of the Water
Management Act which stipulates that essential town services and
environmental water allocation should take precedence over water
allocated for industrial or commercial purposes.
 
“Of the 13 members which make up the Lachlan Critical Water Advisory
Committee (CWAC) none are there as community or environmental
representatives. Barrick Gold and Jemalong Irrigation are, however,
represented on the Committee.
 
“It’s imperative that those handed responsibility for making
recommendations to the Minister about water allocations do so in the
best interests of the entire community and the environment which so many
of their livelihoods rely upon. 
 
“The Committees must be made up of a broad range of stakeholders and
pecuniary interests must be declared to avoid recommendations being made
designed to benefit a few instead of the wider community and the
environment.
 
“Climate change will only exacerbate water shortages in regional NSW
and as such the management of our water must meet the highest standards
of accountability and transparency.
 
“The Greens call on the NSW Government to reassess its framework for
managing water in a time of climate change and drought so that
communities and the environment don’t continue to lose out over the
profits of big industry,” said Mr Cohen.
 
 
Further Information: Cate Faehrmann 0412 207 043