27 June 2008 Opposition Behind the Times on Climate Change

The Opposition has again demonstrated that it is behind the times on climate change, by claiming a report released this week should rule out Traveston Crossing Dam.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said the planning for Traveston Crossing Dam has already taken into account climate change.

“The report released this week actually shows the Traveston Crossing Dam catchment should experience less reduction in rainfall through climate change than other areas of South East Queensland,” said Mr Lucas.

“What’s more, the planned yield of 70,000 million litres per year is deliberately conservative and allows for not just climate change, but evaporation, seepage, water entitlements and environmental flows.

“Remember, this is the dam that would have filled 6 times since 2002, during our worst drought on record.”

Climate change is one of the key considerations in the Queensland Water Commission’s Draft South East Queensland Water Strategy, the blueprint to a secure water supply through to 2056.

“The QWC has looked at a range of scenerios including climate change that reduces the water available from our dams and weirs by 10 per cent,” said Mr Lucas.

“The QWC’s strategy is a resounding endorsement of the Bligh Government’s Water Grid, which includes climate resilient supplies like Purified Recycled Water and desalination.

“But these manufactured water sources use more energy and produce significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions.

“Dams in the best remaining catchment areas still have a vital role in our water supplies.

“The Opposition’s knee jerk reaction to Traveston Crossing Dam is to build more desalination plants.

“The Opposition’s water policy is not only short on water, it’s high on energy.”

Media contact: Matthew Klar 0437 435 223