WATER PRICES TO HIT FAMILIES

The water price hike of 17% this year will hit working families hard. The average household water bill will go up by $126 (or 17%) next year rising to $245 by 2012 – an increase of 35% over four years. This rise is well above inflation and largely goes to pay for Premier Iemma’s unwanted $2 billion desalination plant. 

WATERING THE IGUANA

The timing of the Iemma Government's decision to change water restrictions in Sydney is under question.  The announcement comes on the back on announcements of massive water price hikes and the Iguana crisis facing the State Government.

The Government has previously said water restrictions would only be eased once Sydney's dams reached 70 per cent. They are currently at 66.5 per cent.  Why didn’t the Government lift restrictions when levels were at 66.5% on 6 March 2008?  Then again Premier Iemma said the desalination plant would only be built once Sydney dam levels reached 30%!  Water management is too serious for a Government to make policy on the run to improve a Government’s popularity.

POOR PLANNING

Frank Sartor’s new planning laws mean residents have lost their say in the future of their neighbourhood.  Under the new laws the first residents may know of a new building or extension next door is when they wake up to hear the bulldozer or construction work.  The new laws are oppressive, a denial of natural justice and have the potential to cause long term changes to our built environment.

IEMMA’S MONUMENT TO KURNELL

Over 500 items of varying historical significance are locked up at the Discovery Centre at Kurnell, with many items permanently removed.    A musuem at Captain Cook’s Landing Place Kurnell could display James Cook memorabilia, aboriginal artefacts and other items from Kurnell’s early history. 

By contrast, Cooktown in Queensland where James Cook stayed to repair the Endeavour has a world class James Cook Museum that attracts thousands of visitors a year. Premier Iemma’s monument at Kurnell, the Birthplace of Modern Australia will be a $2 billion desalination plant.