Sydney Water Supply
| About this Item |
Subjects | Water; Dams; Irrigation; Drought |
Speakers | Tingle The Hon John; Kelly The Hon Tony |
Business | Questions Without Notice |
Commentary | Answered by Tony Kelly on 31 August 2004 |
Page: 9128
The Hon. JOHN TINGLE: My question without notice is addressed to the Minister for Local Government, representing the Minister for Energy and Utilities. Is the future inadequate water supply for Sydney and other parts of the State now an issue of crucial importance, not only because of the prolonged drought, but also because of the growth and development of the State and the resulting inadequacy of the dams? Is the Minister looking at alternative methods of increasing the supply? In particular, has the Minister considered the feasibility of available alternative technologies such as desalination of seawater to provide fresh water for some specific purposes, such as irrigation? Has any study been done of the cost benefit effectiveness of methods of deriving water other than from rainfall?
The Hon. TONY KELLY: I will refer the honourable member's important and timely question to the Minister and ensure that I obtain a speedy reply.