Page 4078 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 16 Sept 2009

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The government is not seeking to water down or change the intent of this motion at all. I have moved these amendments simply to provide some clarity around how it should be structured so that it is clear what is being asked. That is what the intent of my amendment is. For that reason, I commend this amendment to members. I note that Mr Rattenbury has foreshadowed an amendment which he has circulated. The government will support that amendment. We do not have any objection to that amendment.

It is of course a matter of concern when a project increases in cost as this project has increased, but at the end of the day this dam needs to be built—I think that is recognised by all parties in this place—and at the end of the day it is still a cheaper option than other options. Another option is the water purification project, which is much more expensive than the Cotter Dam or the Murrumbidgee to Googong transfer. We know what the other options are—they have been assessed as well—and we know the benefit of this project: that it is still very favourable in the overall scheme of things.

As Ms Gallagher said before, and it is a very telling figure, the cost for just one year of stage 4 water restrictions on our community is $350 million, the total cost of this project. And building this project is a one-off cost compared to a cost for each and every year that we are in stage 4 water restrictions.

The cost-benefit analysis stacks up very well. Members should not forget that. The government is happy to provide the information the Assembly has requested.

Question put:

That Mr Corbell’s amendment to his proposed amendment be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 10

Noes 5

Mr Barr

Mr Hargreaves

Mr Coe

Ms Bresnan

Ms Hunter

Mr Doszpot

Ms Burch

Ms Le Couteur

Mrs Dunne

Mr Corbell

Mr Rattenbury

Mr Hanson

Ms Gallagher

Mr Stanhope

Mr Seselja

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Amendment agreed to.

Question put:

That Mr Corbell’s amendment, as amended, be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

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