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Economic Analysis Required On Desal PlantThe State Government appears reluctant to undertake any real economic analysis of its proposed Wonthaggi desalination plant, or look at alternatives, according to Eastern Victoria MP Peter Hall. By Peter Hall - 9th November 2007 - Back to News Mr Hall said it was ridiculous that the State Government had committed Victoria’s taxpayers to the $3 billion plant – a cost of $20,000 per megalitre – without any proper analysis of the best options for the State.
"I put the question in Parliament, seeking to find out if the Government had undertaken or commissioned an economic analysis of the extraordinarily high cost of augmenting Melbourne's water supply with a desalination plant, compared with other options," Mr Hall said.
"I was keen to see the outcome of any such analysis, but it is apparent that analysis has not been done.
"The Nationals are calling again for the State Government to undertake a proper analysis and compare what it costs to build a mammoth desalination plant at a cost of $3 billion, as compared to further promoting rainwater tanks, water recycling, stormwater harvesting and promoting further water efficiencies."
Mr Hall said the Government seemed to have blinkers on regarding water use.
"Without any proper analysis or real long term consideration, this Government has committed the State’s taxpayers to an extremely expensive and, for the people of Bass Coast, intrusive industrial plant.
"The silly thing it may not have to be done, as it can be demonstrated that better recycling, more water efficiencies and other methods of catchment could resolve Melbourne’s long term water concerns.
"What we want is a proper analysis so that the people of this State can see the alternatives. There is not a single answer to water supply, although this Government seems to think there is."
Mr Hall said The Nationals would continue to push the Government to consider the various options available.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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