NATIONALS AND LIBERALS REFUSE TO STOP BORE WATER BEING USED TO WASH DRIVEWAYS

Queensland National and Liberal party MPs have opposed a proposal to restrict backyard bores to protect community water supplies, in a debate currently before State Parliament.

Water Minister Craig Wallace the National and Liberals opposed the Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (WOLA) which, among other things, gives water authorities the power to put town water restrictions on backyard bores.

However, the restrictions only can be imposed where groundwater being taken by the backyard bore is needed to supplement town water supplies.

Earlier this year the media reported instances where people with backyard bores washed down driveways and let water run down the drain while their neighbours observed tough Level 5 restrictions.

“The question must be asked as to what planet the Nationals and Liberals have been on during the worst drought on record,” Mr Wallace said.

“Queenslanders are leading the world in saving water yet the Nationals and Liberals believe bore water should be used to wash down driveways,” he said.

Both the Nationals and Liberals last night voted against restricting backyard bores.

They are at odds with Brisbane Liberal Lord Mayor Campbell Newman who urged the State Government to introduce legislative controls.

Cities such as Toowoomba, which are dependent on bore water to supplement rapidly shrinking dam supplies, will not be impressed by the Nationals and Liberals failure to protect the city’s water supplies.

“Once again the Nationals and Liberals have missed the point on water,” Mr Wallace said.

“People who have had four-minute showers, installed water tanks and seen gardens die will not be impressed by their refusal to protect groundwater when it is needed for town water supplies,” he said.

Under the WOLA Bill, the Queensland Water Commission or a water service provider will be given the power to put the same water restrictions on backyard bores as apply to town water.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.