Mond

Friday, 27 October 2006

SYKES: WE MUST STORE MORE WATER

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, today came out strongly in favour of enlarging Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell.

Dr Sykes said, “Never has the need to conserve surplus flows in the good times been more obvious than now, when both Ovens and King River irrigators, and major towns like Myrtleford, Bright and even Wangaratta face a severe shortage of water.

“The original design for both storages included much larger second stages and the land has been acquired, or is public land”.

Dr Sykes continued, “It is not a matter of using more water for irrigation, but rather better management of the existing system, and greater security for existing irrigators, communities and the environment.

“Effect on the immediate river environment will be minimal – the dams are already there, it is just a matter of enlarging them in accordance with the original design.

“Two years ago, the National Party State Conference passed a resolution supporting additional water storages.

“We have just seen the Tobacco Industry shut down and Valley communities lose a vital industry, and it is essential that alternative industries be developed.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “The opportunities are there – provided that the water supply is assured.”

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