We need sustainable water options not more desalination plants

Posted by admin on November 13, 2009

Anna Bligh should pump recycled water into Wivenhoe Dam rather than squandering billions on more energy-hungry and expensive desalination plants, said the Greens today.

“The $9 billion water recycling plant and pipelines are ready to go – taxpayers have already footed the bill. Bligh just needs to show leadership and turn on the tap to supply sustainable water which is cleaner than what we are drinking now,” said Australian Greens lead Senate candidate for Queensland, Larissa Waters.

“Bligh is continuing the Community Futures Taskforce in the Mary Valley, but what about the impact on new communities threatened with eviction, damage and pollution from desalination? No community should ever again be subjected to the cruel uncertainty and arrogance that the Mary Valley people were.

“The federal government has saved Anna Bligh $1.8 billion dollars by refusing Traveston Dam – she should use that money to supply a free rainwater tank to every remaining South East Queensland home without one, and to invest in stormwater harvesting in our cities to catch the rain where it falls.

“If Bligh is determined not to use money saved from Traveston on providing sustainable water solutions, then it should be used to reduce government debt. The cost of Traveston was one of the reasons she used to justify selling off the state’s valuable assets – now there is even less excuse for this ill-conceived flogging off of public goods.”

“Bligh should also bring back the tough water restrictions that South East Queenslanders showed they were easily able to meet. A permanent water saving target of 170L per person is achievable and will keep a lid on water costs.

“If we are to get serious about sustainable water supply for South East Queensland, we must ensure that population growth in our region is sustainable. We should refuse to grant new development approvals unless the proponent can demonstrate that the necessary water is available and that planning processes address sustainable water supplies.

With timely planning and provision of water recycling, demand and supply management, rainwater tanks, stormwater harvesting, evaporation reduction, water efficiency and sustainable groundwater extraction, there should be no need for energy-guzzling desalination.

“Bligh should also scrap the planned Nathan Dam on the Dawson River which is designed to provide water to coal mines, and invest that money into providing renewable energy which will create Queensland jobs,” concluded Ms Waters.