Real Action Needed to Address Ongoing Contamination of Drinking Water Supplies
The Tasmanian Greens today called on Water Minister Bryan Green to investigate the establishment of an independent Water Quality Commissioner to ensure that Tasmania’s fresh water resources and waterways are protected from contamination by pesticides and other harmful substances.
Greens Water spokesperson Tim Morris MP said Tasmanians are fed up with the regular and ongoing chemical contamination of drinking water supplies across the state, including both Hobart and Launceston’s water treatment plants, and the community is demanding real action to address this serious health issue.
Mr Morris also called on Minister Green to provide a report from the investigation to Parliament, reporting on the mechanism, timeframe and appropriate level of funding and staffing for the establishment of a new Tasmanian Water Quality Commissioner.
“Tasmanians have had enough of their water supplies and waterways being contaminated with pesticides and other poisons on a regular basis, without any changes being made to the practices that are actually causing these contaminations, and we need a Water Commissioner to stand up for the right of all Tasmanians to access clean drinking water.”
“There is an urgent need to restore public confidence in the quality of Tasmanian drinking water, and the establishment of a new Water Quality Commissioner for Tasmania is the best way to kickstart this crucial process.”
“During his answer to my question today Minister Green did offer to work constructively with the Tasmanian Greens on the issue of drinking water contamination, and I look forward to taking him up on that offer,” said Mr Morris.
