GREENS WEIGH INTO AQUIFER DEBATE

Greens candidate Ben van der Wijngaart has labelled the mining of the Kangaloon aquifers as a pointless act of desperation by the NSW government

WEIGHING into the raging debate surrounding the proposed mining of the Kangaloon aquifer, Greens candidate for Kiama, Ben van der Wijngaart labelled the proposal a pointless act of desperation by the NSW government.

The future of the Kangaloon aquifer remains clouded after the federal governments delay of a decision on a proposal, which would see 15 billion litres of drinking water drawn from the reserve each year.

Attending a public meeting in Robertson last week to discuss the future of the aquifers, Mr van der Wijngaart expressed his concern as to what damage the proposal could hold for local ecosystems, including the Minnamurra and Shoalhaven rivers if it were to go ahead.

There is not sufficient understanding of the consequences of doing so in relation to land subsidence and down-stream natural water supply, Mr van der Wijngaart said.

The proposed six-month trial is environmentally dangerous in the current drought, a waste of money, never likely to result in a significant solution to Sydneys water problem and totally unnecessary.

The money would be better spent on achieving long-term benefits through education and conservation of existing water.

Accusing Labor of being too complacent about water conservation during its 12 years of government, the Greens candidate said the proposed tapping of the aquifers was nothing more than an example of the government pressing the panic button and hoping that voters will accept the high environmental cost.

Labelling the governments water and environment policies as inept, Mr van der Wijngaart said the Greens recently released Community Water Solutions Package held the key to turn Sydney Water from a water supplier to water provider.

Under the plan the greens would double the current rebate on rainwater tanks while also allowing consumers to pay off the cost as part of their quarterly water bill.

The plan also places a far greater emphasise on local recycling for industrial and commercial premises while calling for an improvement to household water efficiency.

"Our policy will see Sydney through this and subsequent water crises and avoid the need to spend money on expensive white elephants like desalination and aquifer pumping, he said.

"Unlike the major parties the Greens' water policy does comprehend the seriousness of our predicament.

It centres on rainwater tanks, local grey water treatment, stormwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, improved efficiency and stronger restrictions.