Page 4782 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 October 2010
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MR CORBELL: Well, unfortunately, it is the case that both of those metaphors apply to Mrs Dunne. She criticises the government for relaxing restrictions too slowly and then also criticises the government, saying the relaxation to a particular level is too generous. Of course, she does not outline what her alternative would be. She does not outline how she would develop a certain set of permanent water conservation measures. She just basically says that if it comes from the government it is bad and if Mrs Dunne suggests it, it is good. That is simply the basis of her approach when it comes to policy.
The government has, after careful consideration, decided to revoke the current stage 2 temporary water restrictions and revert to permanent water conservation measures. It has been four years since these measures were last in operation, and we have learned much in that period about how to make efficient use of water without impinging on our lifestyles and the look of the city.
Actew, in consultation with industry bodies and businesses reviewing current scientific literature and talking with government bodies, has undertaken an extensive review already of the permanent water conservation measures which will take effect on 1 November. Following this review, the Actew board has endorsed the introduction of a new water conservation measure scheme.
As the responsible minister under the Utilities Act and under the Utilities (Water Conservation) Regulation, I will be giving consideration to the updated scheme that has been endorsed by the Actew board before determining whether or not to give effect to the revised measures. I can indicate to members that I am generally supportive of the proposals that have been put to me by the Actew board.
This updated scheme will be introduced with an emphasis not only on household water practices but also on non-domestic users. Actew and the ACT government have been working to revise the permanent water conservation measures scheme to develop a more efficient and equitable scheme. To aid water users, the new scheme will be more explicit across the range of measures, and the updated scheme will be put in place on a trial basis. What we will be doing over the next 12 months is implementing the permanent water conservation measures, reviewing the operation of those over the next 12 months to ensure that they are appropriately placed in terms of the range of responses that they are designed to invoke and, if necessary, revise those further after 12 months of operation.
To that end, Actew will conduct a comprehensive consultation activity with all affected householders looking at the operation of these new water conservation measures and, indeed, the existing temporary water restriction scheme. This includes the intention to have a specific non-residential customers program. The updated scheme will, in fact, as I have said, be trialled over the next 12 months to get an understanding of the requirements and allow time for industry and the community to develop and put in place measures that will bring about the intended savings.
The reviews of the schemes will also inform our review of the think water, act water strategy so that we can continue to track towards the long-term water use reduction
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