A Big Investment - Sydney water supply

This morning on the ABC Sydney Breakfast show, Wendy Harmer & Robiie Buck discuss the government descision to pause the expansion of the Kurnell desalination plant with Professor Stuart Khan.

5 months ago when NSW was in drought and the Sydney Warragamba Dam levels were at an all time low, the Water Minister announced the expansion of the Kurnell plant would be undertaken as quickly as possible to ensure Sydney's water security.  It was revealed today that the Government will only proceed with the Kurnell expansion under extreme drought conditions.  Professor Khan comments that the time to prepare for future drought situations is now, when there is time to carefully plan and design.  The situation is not 'if' Sydney will experience another severe drought, it's just a question of 'when'.

Stuart encourages the government to look into our current metropolitan water strategies and the long-term investment opportunity we have now to protect our drinking water supply in Sydney.  Not only should we be looking at expanding the Kurnell desalination plant, we should also be looking at expanding other NSW desalination plants and look into sustainable options such as optimising ground water, urban storm water and recycled water.  "Now is the time to start a major public engagement discussion with the Sydney community about alternative avenues to Sydney's drinking water supply"