Page 252 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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the molecules in that glass that humans have consumed for their entire history. Think about that for a minute: there is the same amount of water on Earth now as when our planet was formed. And, for a watery planet, there is not a lot of usable water. Nearly 97 per cent of the world’s water is salty—
Opposition members interjecting—
Ms Orr: A point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Resume your seat. I think I know what the point of order will be.
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, please! The minister is on his feet. We know the rules on interjections. Minister, we will endeavour to hear you in silence.
MR GENTLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Another two per cent is locked up in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just one per cent for all of humanity’s needs: agricultural, residential, manufacturing, community, recreational and personal. Of course, water is all around us here in Canberra: our beautiful lakes, the ancient Cotter, Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers, tributary creeks, suburban wetlands and ponds. Our waterways also support a diverse range of plants and animals and offer refuge for some threatened species.
The water in Canberra’s suburban creeks, wetlands and ponds is mostly stormwater and run-off from residential blocks, streets, retail, industrial and agricultural areas. The water eventually makes its way into our lakes and rivers, largely untreated. The ACT healthy waterways project is a joint initiative of the Australian and ACT governments to improve the quality of stormwater that flows into our lakes and waterways and downstream past our borders into the Murrumbidgee River system and the Murray-Darling Basin.
Mr Coe interjecting—
MR GENTLEMAN: I know that Mr Coe thinks that healthy waterways is a funny topic; he interjects with laughter across the chamber. But it is a very serious topic. We have seen the degradation of our waterways and we have seen large fish kills because we have not been looking after our waterways. (Time expired.)
MS ORR: Minister, why is that investment important, and can you provide an update on projects in Evatt and other parts of Yerrabi?
Mr Hanson: Excellent.
MR GENTLEMAN: As Mr Hanson said, that is an excellent supplementary question from Ms Orr, showing that being a local member does not mean being opposed to the environment, an example those opposite should well learn from.
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