The state government's plan to deliver a secure water future for Melbourne is based on the desalination plant planned for the Gippsland coast near Wonthaggi and the North South pipeline, which will pump water from the Goulburn River. But what other options do we have to meet our water needs? March 25
The state government's plan to deliver a secure water future for Melbourne is based on the desalination plant planned for the Gippsland coast near Wonthaggi and the North South pipeline, which will pump water from the Goulburn River.
There has been growing controversy in recent months about this plan – with cost blow outs on the desalination plant, the threat of steep rises in our water bills, the fact that a multinational company will control the desal plant, and massive impacts on farming communities and the inland and coastal environment.
Now, much of our existing water catchments have been burnt in the terrible fires of February.
What do the fires mean for our state's water policy – do we need the desalination plant and North South pipeline?
What other options do we have to meet our water needs?
Please come to our public forum and hear from a range of experts and community representatives about how we can meet our needs, now and into the future. We can do this without the pipeline or desalination plant.
Speakers:
*Â Â Â introduction: Robbie Thorpe, Gunnai/Kurnai
*   Neil Rankine, Victorian Water Forum – alternative sources of water to desalination, the North South pipeline and catchment logging
*   Dr Peter Coombes – do we have enough water?
* Rabbi Jonathan Keren Black – who lives in a 7 star rated, water efficient house in Melbourne
*Â Â Â Simon Birrell & Chris Taylor, Melbourne Water Catchment Network - on how the fires have affected our water catchments
wednesday 25 March
6.45pm for a 7pm start (finish by 8.30pm)
venue
Rooftop Meeting Room
Northcote Town Hall
189 High street, Northcote
(Stop 31, #86 Tram to Bundoora)
This is a free event. You are welcome to leave a small donation to help cover costs
organised by Friends of the Earth + Green Faith