The State Government is sending mixed messages on water conservation by easing water restrictions one week and then embarking on a $2.15 million water saving advertising campaign the next, according to the state’s peak environment group.
“The Rees Government values spin over sustainability when it comes to securing our water supply,” executive director Cate Faehrmann said today.
“The Government has shown it is out of touch with the people of NSW who had adapted well to water restrictions and did not ask for water saving measures to be lifted. Outdoor use accounts for about 40 per cent of household water consumption and restrictions promote efficient water practices in the garden.
“With little impact on the average household, the State Government could have retained water restrictions and used the $2.15 million advertising spend on real water saving options, including expanding our level of recycling and incentives for rainwater tanks.
“The $73 million a year the State Government will spend operating the desalination plant is another wasted opportunity for investment in sustainable water supply alternatives for the state.
“NSW can expect more variable rainfall under climate change so we must use water as efficiently as possible today to meet our future demands.
“The State Government must not only get on message that every drop counts, but it must urgently set effective water saving targets and reward households doing the right thing by installing rainwater tanks and water efficient appliances ,” Ms Faehrmann said.
