The Tasmanian Greens today raised concerns over the Liberal proposal to build more dams in the north of the state for the purpose of irrigation.
Greens spokesperson for Water, Tim Morris MP, questioned the basis for the dams saying that Tasmania already had the best water and irrigation development strategy that it has ever had.
“Senator Abetz claims that the water collected in the dams will be used for agriculture, well he is obviously embarrassingly out of touch with the work that Tasmanian Irrigation has already undertaken with local farmers,” said Mr Morris.
“This plan is ignoring the substantial work undertaken by Tasmanian Irrigation and local farmers and is completely inappropriate.”
“Tasmanian Irrigation is utilising the latest science and technology to provide reliable water supply to clients as well as minimise the impact on the natural environment.”
“So far Tasmanian Irrigation have successfully designed and implemented all of their schemes without any significant damming of rivers, in fact there has been substantial community pressure not to do so.”
“Thoughtless damming of rivers would be a waste of public money leading to environmental issues, and conflict in the community.”
Tim Morris MP Greens WaterSpokesperson Sunday, 17 February, 2013
