This week’s downpours have further highlighted the incompetence of the NSW Labor Government, according to Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, rainfall of more than 100mm in parts of the city broke a 49-year-old record for October (with still a few days to go).
“The State Government however, has once again missed opportunities to harvest this precious water resource,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The highest rainfall in the state was recorded at Frenchs Forest with 114mm. This probably also means the greatest amount of water was wasted locally.
“While the valuable stormwater disappeared down the drain, the State Government poured more of our money down the drain, constructing an expensive desalination plant,” Mr O’Dea said.
“It is yet another example of waste and mismanagement by a State Labor Government that has lost its way.
“Greater utilisation of resources through increased stormwater harvesting is needed in a city still subject to water restrictions,” he said.
“’Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink’, was the wail of the Ancient Mariner - and one which Sydney residents want to avoid as they see rainfall overwhelmingly flow out to sea.
“A Coalition Government has repeatedly advocated expending more on stormwater harvesting and water recycling in Sydney, including the Davidson electorate, rather than an expensive and environmentally destructive desalination plant,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
