Page 3410 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 11 October 1994
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I think there are many opportunities to encourage people who have not made the trip to Canberra to come here. This is a good place to which to bring people from overseas who want to see a special part of Australia, because we can present a quick picture of Australia in this Territory economically. It is in the interests of employment prospects for our young people in that very important part of our employment producing business area, tourism.
The high alpine wetland areas in Namadgi make an essential contribution to our water supply by filtering water and absorbing high flows which are released slowly to provide a continuous supply during dry times. At present, during one of the most prolonged and serious droughts on record in this country, Canberra enjoys a guaranteed supply of fresh, clean water coming from Namadgi. The western half of Namadgi fulfils a major role as a water catchment for the population of Canberra and Queanbeyan. This catchment has been protected from the earliest days of settlement of the region and now provides one of the cleanest and most reliable water supplies of any city in Australia. I think there would be many cities around the world which would be envious of the quality of water which is available to the citizens of the ACT and Queanbeyan. Water from the Cotter catchment requires only minimal treatment and consequently is supplied to consumers in a cost-effective manner.
I think sometimes that as Canberrans we lose sight of the treasures which surround us, and to me this presents an opportunity to put on the record the view of this Government about the valuable parts of Canberra which are to be protected, and will be protected by future Labor governments. I intend, as a representative of the community, to ensure that, wherever possible, every effort is put into the campaign to ensure that this treasure is retained in pristine condition for those who follow us. I think we will be applauded if our efforts ensure that that occurs. We would be condemned as politicians if we were not seen to ensure that the most resources available are poured into that important resource for this Territory. I mentioned earlier that it is an important employment creating resource which we can make use of while at the same time managing it in such a way that it retains its pristine form. That will continue to happen. It will be something that self-government will be remembered for as time passes. We might be criticised for a number of things, but I think in time we will be remembered for the efforts that we put into ensuring that Namadgi and our reserves system are maintained in a way which results in their being enjoyed by future generations.
As urban development in Canberra is restricted to below the 650-metre contour level, gravity reticulation of that water from Namadgi which I mentioned earlier is possible for the entire urban area. As the city grows, the role of Namadgi in providing water will become even more important. Both of the potential sites for a new dam for Canberra lie on the boundary of Namadgi and would depend on the reliable supply of clean water. The high alpine wetland areas in Namadgi make an essential contribution to our water supply. Specialised plants such as sphagnum moss filter the water from the melting snow and high mountain rainfall, while also acting as a sponge by absorbing high water flows which are released slowly to provide a continuous supply during dry times. At present, during one of our most serious droughts, we continue, as I have said earlier, to enjoy that wonderful fresh water.
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