Government questioned on need for Tillegra dam
Local member for the Upper Hunter, Mr George Souris MLA on 27 September 2007 has put the following questions (see Hansard record) to the Minister for Climate Change Environment and Water (Philip Koperberg AO MP)-
“With respect to Tillegra Dam:
(1) Why has Hunter Water not consulted the local community following the release of its “Why Tillegra Now”paper, which promotes “securing our water future”?
(2) Is Hunter Water using its monopoly powers to railroad the process without consultation?
(3) Why has Hunter Water committed the region to dam building while other Australian cities and their water authorities are diversifying their sources of water through recycling and rainwater harvesting?
(4) Why is Hunter Water planning a dam which is three times more water than is needed by 2031 and which will discourage recycling?
(5) What is the cost to the community in ignoring the more sustainable, flexible and less damaging alternatives?
(6) Why does Hunter Water not have a water plan, as do Sydney and Gosford and Wyong Councils, yet is pursuing the construction of Tillegra Dam without consultation and community debate?”
Typical of this government’s treatment of regional issues, the Minister has not answered the questions to date!