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Premier And Water Minister Focus On Desalination

The Premier, John Brumby, and Water Minister, Tim Holding, opened a Project Information Office on desalination in Wonthaggi on Wednesday morning.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 21st September 2007 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said Council were only told of the visit about an hour before the Premier and Minister arrived.

"Obviously we welcome the fact that the Premier and the Minister came to Bass Coast to talk about this project," said Mr Bawden.

"And it is good that the Department of Sustainability and Environment office has been opened in Wonthaggi.

"But we haven’t seen any new information on why the Government believes desalination is the best solution to Victoria’s water issues," Mr Bawden continued.

Despite the short notice, members of Your Water Your Say action group gathered outside the office.

"The protesters certainly made it clear to the Premier that the Government had not explained properly why desalination was such an important part of their water plan," said Mr Bawden.

Mr Bawden said Council had also asked the Government to commit to an Environmental Effects Study (EES) before the project went ahead.

"We still don’t have that commitment from the Premier," said Mr Bawden.

"During his visit, Mr Brumby talked about the process for deciding whether an Environmental Effects Study was needed.

"He stressed that it would be an open and clear process. But that isn’t a guarantee that the EES will happen.

"It is ultimately a decision that will be made by the Minister for Planning," explained Mr Bawden.

"And the Minister will base that decision on the studies currently being undertaken by the DSE."

Mr Bawden said a number of other interesting points came out of the press conference held in Wonthaggi.

"Obviously the announcement of the government’s intention to deliver the desalination plant as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) is significant," said Mr Bawden.

"The Premier also announced the findings of a study into the economic impact of the plant.

"We will certainly be looking closely at this. It is vital that we get as much information as possible to help Council and the community understand what the full impact of this project could be on our Shire."

Mr Bawden said the Government was well aware of Council’s position, which was clearly outlined in writing and at the meeting with the Premier last week.

"At that meeting, Mr Brumby also gave us a commitment to come to Bass Coast and meet with Council and members of the Your Water Your Say action group," said Mr Bawden.

"It’s my understanding that the Premier will still be fulfilling that commitment. We are waiting on the Premier’s office to confirm a date for the visit."

Mr Bawden also confirmed that the meeting with the Water Minister, scheduled for Tuesday 25 September, would still go ahead.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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