Deadline near on water submissions

YARRA Ranges residents have only days left to make submissions to a Parliamentary inquiry into the State Government’s major water projects in Victoria.
The Liberal member for Evelyn, Christine Fyffe, said the Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration would conduct the inquiry.
“The inquiry will investigate many unresolved areas of concern. From the report we hope to gain a better idea of the exact benefits and costs arising from the controversial north-south pipeline and Wonthaggi desalination plant,” Ms Fyffe said.
“This public inquiry will provide an opportunity for landowners, farmers, businesses and consumers to have their say on these water projects at an open and transparent hearing. People will not be gagged or intimidated by the State Government.
“It is maddening to think that this government is now in its ninth year and our state still has the ever-present threat of a water crisis hanging over its head. Things should never have been allowed to deteriorate so badly.
“The Government’s failure to plan for future water needs has already led to significantly increased household water prices, and the development of voluntary water targets that are difficult to police. Victorians have every right to be angry with (Premier John) Brumby and his ministers.”
The inquiry will examine areas of concern specific to the Yarra Ranges region, including:
• the projected doubling of water bills, although, since 1999, Labor has taken $2.8 billion in taxes, levies and dividend payments from Victorian water companies;
• The Victorian Government’s plan to remove water despite the Murray-Darling Basin being in crisis;
• The annual volume of water that would eventually be available for Melbourne from the north-south pipeline;
• The planned location for the desalination plant, which is next to an ecologically sensitive environment, being subject to flooding; and
• The pipeline and power supply for the desalination plant cutting through highly productive farmland.
The inquiry will gather evidence from open hearings across the state, from the public and a range of experts. It will have the authority to question members of Parliament, ministers and departmental staff.
Hearings are expected to begin early next year.
Submissions can be made by 19 December to the secretary, Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration, Legislative Council, Parliament of Victoria, Spring Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000.