Page 4486 - Week 10 - Thursday, 23 September 2010
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because we know that over time this will really be something we will value having done today.”
The Greens, of course, have been talking with the government about the provision of household level non-potable water for Molonglo, but I have to say that, apart from the trial of 200 houses in Wright that will have access to recycled stormwater, we have not really heard much about how the government are planning to address this issue. I am looking forward to seeing the government’s assessment of the options to address household access to grey water.
I have been encouraged to see the development of urban ponds and the extension of the Sullivans Creek network, as well as ponds in Woden, Weston and Ginninderra. Again, I think these are good initiatives that take advantage of the water we do have currently. It is a new way of thinking about stormwater management that allows for our stormwater resource to be used to improve our urban environment, parts of which, unfortunately, have fallen victim to high-level water restrictions—our playing fields, community green space and tree streetscapes are all things that, as a community, we value, and they have all been stressed during the recent dry period.
I think it is also a step forward that the government announced earlier this year the extension of the ToiletSmart program. As the minister noted, it was creatively branded ToiletSmart Plus. It is not quite as generous as the scheme that the Greens—and, for that matter, the Canberra Liberals—had in mind, but it does do one very important thing, which is to offer a free water audit to those people who have a replacement low flush toilet installed.
From that point, customers can access cheaper water fittings and pensioners can access free low-flow showerheads. I have had this conversation with the minister, and I think we need to think very creatively about how we help both households and, for that matter, industry and various businesses around town to adopt water saving measures, because some people will take the steps of their own accord, but others will simply not have the time and perhaps will not have the know-how—or just simply will not know where to start. I think there is a role for innovative government programs, and it is not simply about subsidies or handouts, but really about thinking about how we can help people move from where they currently are to where we want them to be in terms of water efficiency.
In conclusion, I would simply like to note that the water challenges for the ACT remain sobering for the foreseeable future, as indicated in the scenarios outlined by the CSIRO for rainfall and, therefore, inflows into our water catchments. I think the ACT government—including all parties in the Assembly—and the community must continue to be vigilant and committed to water efficiency measures. We need to resist some rush for profligate use of water in the good times. It is something to be conscious of, I think. If we are not, we may find ourselves having to build more and more infrastructure. As I said earlier, you can build all the infrastructure you like but if the rain is not coming it is not going to be of any use to any of us.
So the Greens will continue to ensure that government programs are innovative, effective and given the priority they deserve. We do have ideas. I think other places
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