Dam notion

CAN we please stop talking about another dam as though it’s the only option and a done deal, and instead start talking

about long term water resource management?

A quick “back of the envelope” calculation will confirm a new dam would be approaching a 10-year project even assuming no unresolvable environmental or cultural issues were encountered.

And then of course you have to wait for significant rain before it can be brought on line.

On the other hand, recycling waste water could be brought on line within three to five years. The only obstacle would be public consultation/acceptance, and most of us can still recall how that was emotionally manipulated 15 years ago.

Hopefully, as a community, we have successfully transitioned to the 21st century and can now have that “grown up discussion” the mayor has occasionally mentioned.

Now I am not suggesting recycling wastewater is actually the way forward, just that we should not discount it because a few years ago a small band of myopic locals found it easy to scare the horses.

In practical terms it has a lot to commend it. No EIS; no land acquisition; no extensive far flung infrastructure; no reliance on rainfall; minimal involvement of other government departments; less new infrastructure, and much less initial capital outlay.

Also, it could be done and dusted before the currently full dams fall back to Wivenhoe pumping level.

What the council needs to do is to fully commit to a total analysis of long-term water management, without fear or favour.

Just appoint a reputable and experienced consultancy to review all the options in detail and place them on the table for discussion/decision.

Reduce, reuse, recycle, used to be the council’s mantra, but it seems to have been conveniently ignored when it comes to water supplies. TONY LAKE, Meringandan West