Appeals decided on Hills water storage facility

9/9/03
Environment Minister Judy Edwards has approved the revised Sawyers Valley water storage tanks proposal to ensure greater security of hills district water supplies.
The Environmental Protection Authority had already granted conditional approval for the Sawyers Valley water storage tanks and a proposed water treatment plant, but this decision was appealed.
The Water Corporation has since removed the water treatment plant from the project.
"This proposal caused some local concern and this State Government is committed to hearing the views of the public in considering proposals such as this," Dr Edwards said.
The water storage tanks would improve security of water supply in the Hills district, especially during times of bushfire when water demand is at its peak.
"I have made it clear that any future proposals for a water treatment plant will need to undergo a separate approvals process following the detailed review of all options for locating the plant in consultation with the community. My approval of the water storage tanks is therefore on the basis that they are a 'stand alone' proposal," Dr Edwards said.
The revised water storage tank proposal would reduce bushland disturbance to about eight hectares, which would be offset by a range of environmental initiatives proposed by the Water Corporation.
These initiatives comprised the transfer of 129 hectares of wandoo woodland and riparian vegetation adjacent to the Helena River in the Shire of York to the Conservation Commission, revegetating nearby farmland for salinity mitigation, helping fund a Biodiversity Trust and expanding the Cockatoo Care program.
Minister's office: 9220 5050