Futureproofing the food bowl

Samantha Dunn – candidate for Eastern Victoria
Tania Giles – candidate for Evelyn
12 November 2010

“It’s time for government to step up to the plate and commit to funding the Recycled Water Pipeline Scheme for the Yarra Valley instead of wasting taxpayers money on poorly executed water projects like the North South Pipeline,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria.

The Yarra Ranges Council are advocating for the construction of a recycled water pipeline from the sewerage treatment plant in Lilydale, to guarantee a secure source of water for growers in the Yarra Valley.

“We need to get cracking on these innovative water recycling schemes like the one proposed by Yarra Ranges Council,” said Tania Giles, Greens candidate for Evelyn.

“A secure water supply for agricultural use in the Yarra Valley is a sound investment in Melbourne’s food bowl and food security.”

“The benefits to growers in the region are enormous, with a broad net economic benefit of $37.8million, this project would secure the valley's future as a key food growing area.”

“The Greens want to see these sustainable water options implemented across our food bowl areas, we need to be smarter with water and this is a project that fits the bill,” concluded Samantha.

Further information:
Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au