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Politicians Visit Over DesalKey members from all sides of politics were in Bass Coast this week discussing the potential impact of the proposed desalination plant. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 28th September 2007 - Back to News While most of the attention was focused on the visit by the new Water Minister, Tim Holding, the leaders of Victoria’s National Party and the Greens also held meetings with Council and the Your Water Your Say action group.
Minister Holding’s arrival at the Civic Centre in Wonthaggi on Tuesday morning was greeted by a large number of local residents, protesting the government’s decision to build a desalination plant in Bass Coast.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer said that during his visit, the Minister met with Council, the Your Water Your Say action group and a representative from the Bass Coast Youth Council.
"This was the first chance to formally meet with the new Minister," explained Mr Bawden.
"Everyone got to make a presentation and there was a consistency in the message that all the groups conveyed.
"It was very clear that we were all extremely concerned at the lack of information being made public. The Government needs to explain why desalination is such a central part of its water plan."
Mr Bawden said the Minister agreed to find out if there was additional research or information available to help explain the Government’s decision. The need for an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was also discussed.
"Council and the local community certainly want to see an EES take place straight away," confirmed Mr Bawden.
"An EES is needed to assess the environmental impact of the plant. It would also be able to put conditions on any kind of development that did go ahead.
"But we weren’t able to get that commitment from the Minister.
"He did confirm that research is currently underway, which would provide the evidence for a referral to the Minister for Planning," explained Mr Bawden.
"That referral should be with the Minister for Planning before the end of the year. Based on that evidence, the Minister will then decide if an EES should be undertaken."
Mr Bawden said another key concern was the energy intensive nature of desalination.
"Although the Government has committed to using renewable energy, Victoria currently doesn’t have the capacity to supply the amount of green power the plant would need.
"The Minister said he was confident that the market would respond to the need for more renewable energy," continued Mr Bawden.
"He also said there were a number of approved developments for renewable energy that would be up and running by the time the plant was finished."
The Minister also discussed the decision to build the project under a Public Private Partnership (PPP), and agreed to arrange a detailed briefing for Council on the PPP process.
"I think the main thing we got out of the meeting was a commitment from the Minister for open and ongoing dialogue," said Mr Bawden.
"He has agreed to come back to inspect the proposed site, as there wasn’t time during his visit this week."
Peter Ryan, the leader of the National Party also visited Bass Coast on Tuesday 25 September.
"This was an impromptu visit, but it was a great chance for the Council to be updated on the inquiry into water initiated by the National Party," said Mr Bawden.
"Mr Ryan was very pleased with the support the inquiry had received in the Upper House and said it was likely to get underway by the end of the year.
"Council supported this inquiry, because it was a way to enable documents and information on desalination to be tabled," continued Mr Bawden.
"It will also be a good forum for discussions on all aspects of the Government’s water plan."
After meeting with Council, Mr Ryan visited the proposed site for the desalination plant.
On Wednesday 26 September, Council and the Your Water Your Say action group met with Greg Barber MLC, from the Victorian Greens Party.
Mr Barber confirmed the Greens stance against desalination. Members of the Your Water Your Say action group then accompanied Mr Barber on an inspection of the site.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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