poor water policy for victoria

In a time when the focus should be on water recycling, water tanks, upgrading aging infrastructure, stormwater capture and mandatory water sensitive design why do we have a government hell bent on poor water policy for Victoria?

The message of water conservation has been well heeded by Melburnians, people have shown their willingness to change their habits and live more sustainably. But with the government emphasis on the desalination plant, which will supply 150 gigalitres (150 billion litres) of water, government has signalled that there will no longer be a need for water conservation, an appalling response, given the substantial environmental consequences.

A $3.5 billion desalination plant, $2 billion being underwritten by the state government, causing untold environmental damage, consuming huge amounts of energy, a $1 billion pipeline which steals water from the farmers and a river system that is already stressed after 13 years of drought – this is not good water policy for Victoria.

This week was a dark week for Victorians opposed to the desalination plant in Wonthaggi. A pristine coastal environment will be trashed, thousands of marine organisms destroyed, more than 1.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gases will be emitted during its construction.

Victorians want sensible, sustainable water solutions to secure our water future.