Media release – Monday 19 October
Today WATER Northern Rivers Alliance launched a campaign for smart water options in the Northern Rivers, instead of the Dunoon Dam. The launch coincides with the start of National Water Week, with its message ‘Let’s re-imagine our water future”.
In their report ‘All Options On The Table’, the Water Systems Association of Australia (WSAA) said that new dams as risky investments because they depend on rain in uncertain climate conditions. WSAA states that a resilient water system should have a suite of complementary options. Drought-proofing is enhanced if any new supply does not depend on rainfall – such as water recycling or desalination. Likewise, the recent NSW Productivity Commission Green Paper recommends we embrace efficiencies and new supply options such as water recycling.
“We want Rous to take on board what the experts are saying about smart options and policies” said Annie Kia, spokesperson for WATER Northern Rivers. “The Dunoon dam is last century’s thinking. If we add new supply it should be independent of rainfall. That’s the way to drought-proof our region, not by adding another dam, costing $245,000,000”.
“Since Rous proposed the Dunoon Dam many years ago, a whole new world of water options has opened up. But the consultants giving advice to Rous on the Future Water 2060 strategy seem out of touch with these developments. While some elements of the document are well researched, other options were largely neglected. For instance, water efficiency did not receive the attention it deserves as the least costly means of achieving supply-demand balance. Similarly, water recycling was not properly considered” says Annie Kia. “It’s time to heed the experts, drop the dam and get cracking on a water system fit for the 21st century. If Rous gets with the trend we will support them every bit of the way”.
Simon Clough, spokesperson for WATER Northern Rivers and former Rous County Councillor said “WATER Northern Rivers wants Rous County Council to say ‘stop’ to any further spending on the Dunoon Dam. It is pointless to waste millions on further studies. We already have studies that show the dam would obliterate Aboriginal Heritage, and destroy rare rainforests that comprise part of the Big Scrub Rainforest, of which just 1% is left.
“Why would we waste more money on this destructive dam when water experts say there are better ways to ensure water security? It’s time for Rous to change tack” he said “We are asking Rous County Council to
- Invest in water efficiency as recommended by Professor Stuart White.
- Engage consultants who are expert in potable water re-use and desalination to analyse and cost how this could augment supply, including how it could be scaled up rapidly as part of contingency planning.
- Take on board the recommendations and case studies presented in All Options On The Table to develop a resilient water system in our region.
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