Victoria Approved For Desalination Plant, But Planned Pipeline May Deliver Far Less H2O Than Thought

[hatrack]

Environment Minister Peter Garrett approved the controversial project today, subject to conditions. "I am fully satisfied that with the conditions I have imposed on this approval ... this project will not have a significant impact on nationally protected matters,'' he said.

The desalination plant is planned for a site near Wonthaggi at a cost of more than $3 billion.

It can proceed subject to the Victorian government developing management strategies to minimise impacts on species including the Orange-bellied Parrot, Growling Grass Frog, Giant Gippsland Earthworm and the Dwarf Galaxias fish.

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Mr Garrett was required to assess the impacts of the project on the Western Port Ramsar wetland, threatened species and other protected ecological communities. "This proposal has been thoroughly assessed through a rigorous and open process looking at both those matters which are the responsibility of the state government and those that are my responsibility to protect under the national environment law,'' he said.

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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25215107-12377,00.html

VICTORIA'S top water officials are preparing for the controversial north-south pipeline to deliver much less water than promised, under new water supply forecasts for Melbourne. Despite earlier claims the pipeline would deliver up to 75 billion litres of water to Melbourne each year, authorities privately believe it will struggle to supply half that amount in its second year of operation, 2011.

Forecasts of drastically lower flows are due to reduced expectations over the amount of "water savings" that can be achieved by irrigation upgrades in the foodbowl district in the state's central north. The forecasts have come to light as the Government and water retailers finalise supply and demand forecasts to inform the setting of new household water prices for Melbourne.

Elements of that planning were revealed earlier this week, with authorities planning for Melbourne to be on harsher water restrictions for longer than previously forecast.

The extension of water restrictions was blamed on poor rainfall last spring, but it appears lower expectations from the pipeline are also a factor.

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http://www.theage.com.au/national/pipe-dream-water-strategy-in-doubt-as-forecasts-dry-up-20090319-93fd.html?page=-1

[opihimoimoi]

1. ONLY NOW they concerned with Water??? Concerns were brought up 20 years ago...

Exponential Population Growth requires corresponding resources to support....until collapse due to overwhelming forces like LACK OF WATER....or, ...ENERGY.....or.... FOOD......or....SPACE......TOP SOIL....or...LACK OF SOCIAL/POLITICAL SOLUTION.....