Mond

Monday, 4 September 2006

SYKES: BRAZEN WATER THEFT BEGGARS BELIEF

Last week’s announcement by the Bracks Government to pipe water from the Eildon/Goulburn System to Ballarat is a brazen act of water theft which almost beggars belief according to Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes said, “The Bracks Government has announced an extension of the proposed pipeline to Bendigo onto Ballarat at a cost of around $220 million without any prior consultation with stakeholders in Northern Victoria.

“This announcement was made when Goulburn Valley irrigators are reeling from last week’s announcement of a 17% water allocation for this season.

“I cannot believe that a government can be so inept, so incompetent or so callous to act in this manner.”

Dr Sykes continued, “The Nationals acknowledge that communities such as Ballarat and Bendigo need water, however rather than enter the market and buy water from farmers selling their water in a desperate bid to survive, communities such as Ballarat and Bendigo should invest in water savings projects eg. piping in lieu of channels and re use of stormwater to meet their water needs.

“This would be a ‘win win’ situation for the community, farmers and the environment.

“I am also concerned that it won’t be long before water is being piped direct from Lake Eildon to Melbourne to satisfy Melbourne’s unquenchable thirst.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “There is a saying, Whisky is for drinking and water is for fighting over, and if the Government proceeds with this proposal without consultation with stakeholders and agreed amendments then they better be prepared for one heck of a fight.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989