Desal concerns aired with Minister

Desal concerns aired with Minister

7 August 2008

A delegation of Bass Coast Shire councillors travelled to Melbourne for a meeting with the Water Minister, Tim Holding.

On Wednesday 6 August 2008, Cr Neville Goodwin, Cr Veronica Dowman, Cr John Duscher, Cr Peter Paul and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, met with the Minister.

Mr Bawden said the purpose of the meeting was to brief the Minister on community concerns around the desalination project.

“The Minister was aware of Council’s resolution in June calling for the project to be abandoned,” said Mr Bawden. “While that remains unchanged, Council believes that it is imperative that a formal dialogue be established between all the parties involved in the desalination project."

“It is vital that the Government is fully aware of the feelings of this community,” continued Mr Bawden. “By establishing some firm lines of communication, we will be able to demonstrate the impact of this proposal on our community."

“It also means that if the plant was to go ahead, Council would have a say in the Government’s response to the local impact of the project.”

The Council delegation came to the meeting armed with a number of requests.

“The Minister agreed to all our requests, which was a positive result,” said Mr Bawden. “This included improvements in all communication, as well as regular communication between the Minster and Council."

“The Minister also guaranteed that all issues and recommendations that came out of the Environment Effects Statement would be incorporated into the project brief,” continued Mr Bawden. “What this means is if the plant does go ahead, it will be designed, built and operated at world’s best practice standards."

“And he agreed to work with Council to manage the social and economic impacts the large construction workforce would have on our area.”

Mr Bawden and Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, agreed that the meeting was a constructive one.

“The Minister gave us a commitment that communication between all parties would improve,” said Cr Goodwin. “While there are still some very grave concerns about this project, I certainly welcome the Minister’s willingness to consider Council’s request to work together to address the impact of the project on the community. "

“The Minister’s commitment to address all the issues emerging from the EES is one I also welcome.”

The delegates also raised the concerns of the Power Grid Options Group, over issues related to the route of the overhead power lines.

"Cr Dowman briefed the Minister on these concerns and the Minister indicated a willingness to meet with the group and discuss these,” confirmed Cr Goodwin.