Responses to Hunter Bus. Chamber
Letters to the Editor submitted to Newcastle Herald:
Peter Shinnick (NH, 23/7) is wrong to assert that there is a requirement to boost water supplies in the Lower Hunter and that the Tillegra dam is the most affordable and environmentally sensitive way to do this.
Water demand in the Lower Hunter has dropped by nearly a third since the early 80’s and continues to trend downwards. Drought security is at a 30 year high.
Our analysis in August 2009 demonstrated that simply with a comprehensive water conservation program, similar to Sydney Water’s, the Lower Hunter would not need a new supply before 2050. This included accommodating a population increase of 160,000.
The Lower Hunter does not need the costly and damaging Tillerga dam. What it does need is a Government and business community willing to get behind a sustainable urban water plan that the community can then support.
Dr Simon Fane
Research Director
The Institute for Sustainable Futures
University of Technology Sydney
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