January 11, 2009
Gippslanders are furious that the State Water Minister has flagged the possibility of easing water restrictions on Melburnians in 2010 whilst compromising the health of the Gippsland Lakes.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and State Member for Morwell Russell Northe have both expressed their dismay at the possibility of water restrictions in Melbourne easing in light of proposed State Government plans to divert another 10 billion litres of water from the Thomson River to Melbourne.
Mr Chester, a strong campaigner against the water diversion, said the State Labor Government is ignoring the calls from Gippslanders to stop the move.
“My campaign that has so far resulted in more than 1700 responses from concerned Gippslanders has sent a clear message to the Labor Government that Gippslanders are furious with plans to take more water from Gippsland to Melbourne but the Minister has so far chosen to ignore it,” Mr Chester said.
“Much of our region is experiencing a drought with rivers that are already stressed and it’s clear I’m not alone in being particularly concerned over how this move will affect the environmental health of the Gippsland Lakes catchment.
“There have been several reports which have indicated the Gippsland Lakes are at an ecological tipping point and the further reduction in freshwater flows, particularly at the western end of the catchment, could prove disastrous.
“In flagging the possibility of easing Melbourne’s water restrictions the Minister has placed more importance on gardens in Melbourne ahead of the health of Gippsland’s waterways.”
Mr Northe said current water storage levels would enable Melbourne, even with minimal rainfall, to survive until the Wonthaggi desalination plant becomes operational.
“The Gippsland Lakes are being disregarded by the Water Minister, with no community consultation or discussion of the environmental impacts that the proposed water diversion will have,” Mr Northe said.
“Only last Thursday, water storage levels meant Melbourne could survive for 676 days at the current average consumption rate,” Mr Northe said.
“In addition, even with record low dam inflows for the next two years there would be enough water to survive until the Wonthaggi desalination plant is completed in 706 days.
“If the Minister eases water restrictions in Melbourne rather than reversing this ridiculous decision he will be confirming his non-interest in protecting natural assets in regional areas such as the Gippsland Lakes.”