Deadline looms for water inquiry submissions

Source: Bill Sykes Media Release - 10 Dec 08

Locals in the Benalla Electorate are being encouraged to come forward and raise any concerns they have about the Brumby Government’s major water infrastructure projects.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said public submissions close on 19 December for the Upper House Parliamentary Inquiry into benefits and costs relating to the north-south pipeline, the Wonthaggi desalination plant and the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure.

“The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has joined with the minor parties to give community members the opportunity to have their say about water projects which directly affect the Benalla electorate,” Bill Sykes said.

“Landowners, farmers, businesses and consumers in the Benalla Electorate should come forward before 19 December and make their views known.

“Following submissions, the community will be able to have their say directly in the New Year at a series of hearings across the state held by the Standing Committee on Finance & Public Administration,” he said.

Dr Sykes said for too long the Victorian Labor Government had burdened water companies with inflated taxes and levies, while doubling water bills for consumers.

“Labor has failed to plan for Victoria’s water needs and refuses to consider commonsense solutions such as extra water storages, stormwater harvesting and using recycled water for industry.

“Now we see the Premier arrogantly ignore a detailed CSIRO study highlighting a dramatic decline in available water in northern Victoria which underlines the dangerous folly of Labor piping this valuable resource away from country communities to the city,” Dr Sykes said.

“At the same time Labor has pushed ahead with plans to build a desalination plant on ecologically sensitive land in Gippsland that is subject to flooding.”

Dr Sykes said the Upper House Parliamentary Inquiry provided a voice for Victorians who were unhappy with the Brumby Government’s mismanagement of water projects.

“The inquiry will gather evidence from public hearings across the state, with the Standing Committee given the authority to question Members of Parliament, Ministers and departmental staff,” Dr Sykes concluded.

Despite a tight time frame, Bill Sykes, encourages country Victorians not to ignore this issue and act immediately to submit applications.

Further information is available HERE