“22 March is World Water Day, and this year’s theme for World Water Day - 'Coping with Water Scarcity' – has particular resonance for Australia” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“Like many other Australians, residents living in Calwell confront severe water shortages and severe water restrictions. Urban water use and water supply has become a national crisis in Australia.”
According to the CSIRO, water supply in Melbourne will drop by 25% per year by 2030 because of reduced rainfall and higher evaporation from climate change. In the meantime, Melbourne’s population is expected to rise by around 30% in the same period of time.
“Finding a solution to Australia’s water crisis will require constructive leadership and action from all levels of Government, particularly from the Commonwealth.”
“I believe that water recycling will play a key role when it comes to resolving Australia’s water crisis and easing the burden that shortages place on Calwell households. But we still lack a comprehensive set of national guidelines for water recycling in this country, and we still lack any national leadership on water from the Howard government” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“Labor is committed to setting a national target of 30% of wastewater being recycled by 2015.”
“Tackling Australia’s water crisis also means tackling climate change.”
Further Information: Alex Kouttab 0417 541 465
