NATIONAL APPROACH NEED BUT WHERE IS THE RECYCLING?
Media release 25 January, 2007
National approach need but where is the recycling?
The Prime Ministers plan for a national approach to the water crisis is a welcome step forward in securing the nation¹s future, Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan said today.
But Mr Kiernan said the absence of any initiative to promote water recycling was a missed opportunity to improve the way Australians make use of this scare resource.
In the Sydney basin less than two peer cent of the crystal clear drinking water that¹s delivered from Prospect Reservoir is consumed by humans.
"The remainder is used by industry, agriculture, for flushing toilets, or in our gardens and other domestic uses that don¹t actually require drinking standard water.
Mr Kiernan said he federal government and its state counterparts can help drive this technology by imposing mandatory targets on the use of water recycling.
"We also need government partnerships with industry to help them better manage their own water.
"The technology is available to treat the millions of litres of water we¹re losing down our drains and from our sewers every day.
"We already have the reuse know-how to offset the true costs of water used by industry and reduce the demand on our supply of drinking water.
"It is to be hoped that in the months ahead, the Prime Minister finds a place for leadership in promoting large scale recycling in his National Plan."
ENDS
For media comment call Ian Kiernan on 0418 232 288.
