Published Tuesday, 16 January, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
NO QUESTION ABOUT OWNERSHIP OF RECYCLED WATER PIPELINE
16 January 2007
The Queensland Government has no intention of selling a major pipeline and recycling scheme being built in Queensland to supply recycled water to industry, Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh categorically refuted claims published today that the Queensland Government would sell off the critical piece of water infrastructure.
“Our Government has no intention of privatising the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project. It is being built and funded by our Government and it will be owned by our Government.
“We all know Mr Turnbull’s well publicized view that the nation’s water assets should be sold off and privatized.
“This is NOT a view shared by our Government.
“Water is becoming a victim of Mr Turnbull’s personal ambition.
“He is trying to create a name for himself and secure a front bench position by playing political games with a serious issue – the water security of our region.
“In December last year our Government announced a plebiscite to ask south-east Queenslanders whether they supported the addition of purified recycled water to the region’s long-term drinking supplies.
“However, at that time we made it clear that in an emergency situation, if required, we would add purified recycled water to our water supply system through this new pipeline and recycled water scheme.
“That is why this critical asset will remain in Government hands.
“We are building this pipeline with or without funding from the Federal Government.
“This recycled water scheme is a vital part of our Government’s comprehensive strategy to secure south-east Queensland’s current and future water supplies in the face of the worst drought on record.
“Instead of working constructively with States and Territories Mr Turnbull appears to be more interested in undermining the work we’re doing than taking constructive action to fix our nation’s water crisis.
“His only to action to date on water in Queensland is appointing a consultant to investigate taking water from the Northern Rivers system in New South Wales – which I’m advised does not have any unallocated water available - and piping it to Brisbane.
“Our Government has a comprehensive plan for our region’s water future – it’s disappointing that the same can’t be said for Mr Turnbull and the Federal Government.”
Media contact: Steve Keating 3224 4379
The Queensland Government has no intention of selling a major pipeline and recycling scheme being built in Queensland to supply recycled water to industry, Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh categorically refuted claims published today that the Queensland Government would sell off the critical piece of water infrastructure.
“Our Government has no intention of privatising the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project. It is being built and funded by our Government and it will be owned by our Government.
“We all know Mr Turnbull’s well publicized view that the nation’s water assets should be sold off and privatized.
“This is NOT a view shared by our Government.
“Water is becoming a victim of Mr Turnbull’s personal ambition.
“He is trying to create a name for himself and secure a front bench position by playing political games with a serious issue – the water security of our region.
“In December last year our Government announced a plebiscite to ask south-east Queenslanders whether they supported the addition of purified recycled water to the region’s long-term drinking supplies.
“However, at that time we made it clear that in an emergency situation, if required, we would add purified recycled water to our water supply system through this new pipeline and recycled water scheme.
“That is why this critical asset will remain in Government hands.
“We are building this pipeline with or without funding from the Federal Government.
“This recycled water scheme is a vital part of our Government’s comprehensive strategy to secure south-east Queensland’s current and future water supplies in the face of the worst drought on record.
“Instead of working constructively with States and Territories Mr Turnbull appears to be more interested in undermining the work we’re doing than taking constructive action to fix our nation’s water crisis.
“His only to action to date on water in Queensland is appointing a consultant to investigate taking water from the Northern Rivers system in New South Wales – which I’m advised does not have any unallocated water available - and piping it to Brisbane.
“Our Government has a comprehensive plan for our region’s water future – it’s disappointing that the same can’t be said for Mr Turnbull and the Federal Government.”
Media contact: Steve Keating 3224 4379