OPPOSITION CALL FOR DAM INQUIRY SHOWS LACK OF VISION ON WATER MANAGEMENT

Thursday, 02 October 2003 10:00

Calls by NSW Shadow Minister for Energy and Utilities Brad Hazzard for an inquiry into constructing a new water supply dam for Sydney are outdated and reveal ignorance of sustainable water cycle management according to the Total Environment Centre (TEC).

TEC Director Mr Jeff Angel said, "Building a new dam would devastate the fragile environment of the Shoalhaven River and require massive expenditure of taxpayers funds that would need to be recovered through higher water bills".

Speaking on Sydney radio yesterday Mr Hazzard expressed support for effluent recycling and stormwater harvesting as well as holding an inquiry into constructing a major new dam for Sydney.

"While Mr Hazzard's support for effluent and stormwater recycling is welcome, building a new dam is one idea that shouldn't be recycled. Anyone with responsibility for developing water policy should know that improved water conservation, rainwater tanks, stormwater harvesting and effluent recycling can address our water shortage without the need for an expensive and unsustainable new dam", Mr Angel said.

TEC called on the Shadow Minister to take a more constructive approach to the debate on Sydney's water resources.

"Sydney faces some tough decisions on water management and pricing that must be considered in a responsible and constructive manner. Simplistic and populist calls for consideration of a new dam will do nothing to promote sustainable water management", Mr Angel said.
 

For further information

Contact
:
Jeff Angel - Director
Phone
:
61 2 9299 5599
Email
:
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WWW
:
http://www.tec.org.au/