Page 168 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 8 December 2004
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MR STANHOPE: Thank you for the question. At this stage we do not propose to adjust the commitments we have made and the targets we have set in relation to “Think water, act water”—the ACT’s water strategy. Our determination is to implement the strategy. We are, of course, also mindful of issues in relation to climate change and the potential impact of climate change upon weather patterns within the ACT and our region, and indeed within our catchments.
Much of the work Actew is currently facilitating in relation to a detailed scientific investigation into issues around the potential to secure an additional water supply or water source for the ACT involves an analysis of climate change and the impact of climate change on our water catchment and water yield within the ACT region. It is just one part, one aspect, of the detailed work being done under the leadership of Actew at the moment.
Mrs Dunne: I wish to raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. My question went specifically to the predictions for the yields of the Cotter and Queanbeyan rivers and whether they would have to be downgraded as a result of this report. The minister is not addressing that. He has talked about the targets for “Think water, act water” and then moved on to work being done by Actew. I am talking specifically about things in “Think water, act water” volume 3, which show an increased yield. Do they have to be downgraded as a result of this survey?
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Chief Minister; come to the subject matter of the question. But I remind you, Mrs Dunne, he has another three minutes to get to the answer.
MR STANHOPE: I think Mrs Dunne is simply not interested in the issue or a discussion around it. At this stage, the government has no intention of downgrading any of its predictions in the water strategy.
MRS DUNNE: Mr Speaker, I have a supplementary question. Has the government, in light of the New South Wales report called Climate change in New South Wales, commenced its own risk assessment to develop and implement strategies for water supply to mitigate the impact of climate change?
MR STANHOPE: Not in the light of the New South Wales report, no. We have done it otherwise.
Mr Stanhope: I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper, Mr Speaker.
Personal explanation
MR SMYTH (Brindabella-Leader of the Opposition): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a personal explanation under standing order 46.
Leave granted.
MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, during question time Mr Corbell purported to be quoting Liberal Party policy where he said we were going to transfer $10 million, which is incorrect
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