Greens call for Sydney desalination plant shutdown

Sydney dam levels are continuing to rise, prompting a call from the Greens for the city’s desalination plant to be placed in stand-by mode.

The New South Wales Government announced last week it had negotiated with the operator of the plant to wind back production because dam levels had reached 80 per cent.

They are now at 80.5 per cent.

The desalination plant is operated and maintained by Veolia Water.

Greens MP John Kaye says winding back production is not enough with such healthy supplies of water on hand.

“Sydney householders are paying for water that is being produced that is simply not needed,” Dr Kaye said.

“Mothballing a desalination plant has been done in California, it has been done recently in Queensland.

“Where a water authority or a state government has made a major error, such as they did at the Kurnell plant, it is time to accept that an error has been made.

“It is time to not put good money after bad. Turn that plant off.”

The Queensland shutdown saved taxpayers there $10 million a year, but NSW Finance Minister Greg Pearce has ruled out following suit in Sydney.

Like this content? Join our growing community.

Your support helps to strengthen independent journalism, which is critically needed to guide business and policy development for positive impact. Unlock unlimited access to our content and members-only perks.

最多人阅读

专题活动

Publish your event
leaf background pattern

改革创新,实现可持续性 加入Ecosystem →