Colin Barnett putting thousands of jobs at risk

26/11/04
Opposition Leader Colin Barnett's promise to scrap the Kwinana desalination project dramatically increases the threat of total sprinkler bans in Perth and thousands of job losses, according to Premier Geoff Gallop.
Dr Gallop said the desalination project was a valuable future water source - not reliant on rainfall - that would bolster the capacity of Perth's integrated water scheme by 17 per cent within two years.
"But Mr Barnett's promise to scrap the project will throw into doubt the future security of Perth's water supplies," the Premier said.
"He is playing Russian roulette with Perth residents and the thousands of people who rely on the horticultural and related nursery industries for work.
"My Government is dealing in a balanced way with water issues on a short, medium and long-term basis. Unlike what is happened in Sydney and Melbourne, we have managed to keep the horticultural and related industries intact.
"But if the desalination project does not go ahead then there is the real prospect of total sprinkler bans in Perth by 2006, leading to the loss of 7,000 jobs in the garden industries and net turnover losses of $700million in the first year.
"This is a totally irresponsible approach by Mr Barnett who is incapable of making the hard decisions about Western Australia's future.
"My Government can afford the desalination project because of sound financial management.
"But Mr Barnett's track record on financial management is appalling. The Liberals delivered five Budget deficits in eight years, making it impossible for them to tackle the serious issue of water policy."
The Gallop Government's diversified approach to water has included:

• the proposed construction of a major seawater desalination plant at Kwinana;

• the construction of a water recycling plant at Kwinana;

• expansion of the capacity of our traditional underground and surface sources;

• water trading within farms in the South-West;

• household sprinkler restrictions since 2001;

• the successful water rebate program for households;

• water metering on the stressed parts of the Gnangara Mound;

• a major feasibility study into the SW Yarragadee aquifer; and

• a major feasibility study into accessing water from the Kimberley.