[Greens-Media] Streamwatch faces axe as sewerage pollution crisis grows

[John Kaye]

Streamwatch faces axe as sewerage pollution crisis grows

Media release: 30 October 2011

NSW Upper House budget estimates revealed that Sydney Water's is moving to
end its funding of hundreds of schools and community groups that monitor
local waterways, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye ('Who will watch the
streams now?' Sun Herald 30 October 2011 p. 25  http://j.mp/sh111030)

Dr Kaye said: "It is hardly surprising that Sydney Water as one of the main
polluters of this city's water courses, would be interested in undermining
Streamwatch.

"With more than 250 schools and environment groups watching their local
streams, lakes, rivers, bays and oceans, Sydney Water is at much greater
risk of being caught when it allows raw sewage to escape.

"AS mounting evidence reveal the scandalous quantities of pollution in
rivers like the Cooks,  Finance and Services Minister Greg Pearce should
step in and protect Streamwatch and the important checks on Sydney Water it
provides.

"This program gives double value for money. Not only does it fund an
important educational activity, but it ensures that thousands of young eyes
are watching the quality of local water courses and making sure that they
are protected.

"Letting Sydney Water review Streamwatch is dangerous.

"Senior management would be happy to be rid of more than 250 schools and
local community organisations providing independent checks on the health of
the  waterways it might be polluting.

"Losing Streamwatch would take away not just educational opportunities and a
valuable watchdog.

"Young people learn lifelong lessons about the fragility of clean water
sources and the importance of healthy waterways," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455



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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP
phone: 0407 195 455
web: www.john.nsw.greens.org.au
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