Illawarra Wastewater Strategy
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: My question is directed to the Minister for Emergency Services, representing the Minister for Water Utilities. Will the Minister explain why the water recycling plant at the Wollongong sewage treatment plant is not yet functioning to produce its expected 20 million litres of potable water a day? Is it true that the New South Wales Fire Brigade Employees Union has banned the use of the plant’s recycled water, and that this has been holding up the commissioning of the plant since early this year? Given the massive cost and timetabling blow-out in the Illawarra waste water strategy, why is the Minister allowing that industrial dispute to further impede it? What is the Minister doing to get the plant operating, given that the water supply in Avon Dam is dwindling and that the people of the Illawarra are currently enduring the toughest water restrictions on record?
The Hon. TONY KELLY: I will refer the question to the Minister for Water Utilities as was requested, but it is just as appropriate for me, as Minister for Emergency Services, to answer it. The New South Wales Fire Brigade did have some concerns about the use of recycled water.
The Hon. John Ryan: It was the union.
The Hon. TONY KELLY: Yes, it was the union; I thank the honourable member for correcting me. The union wanted to ensure that the water was healthy. I am not aware whether the union has a tick-off regime in place to ensure that the water is suitable for use, but I know that negotiations are continuing and I will obtain an update for the member as soon as I can.
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The Hon. DAVID CAMPBELL: I’m advised the NSW Fire Brigade Employees Union has placed a ban on use of the recycled water for fire fighting and BlueScope Steel is not prepared to use the recycled water while there is a ban in place.
On 7 October 2005, NSW Health confirmed to the NSW Fire Brigades that the recycled water for BlueScope is suitable for fire fighting, provided standard precautions are met.
Any further questions relating to industrial negotiations between the NSW Fire Brigades and the Union should be referred to the Minister for Emergency Services.
