Have your say on Sydney's water future

24 May 2009

NSW Water Minister Phil Costa today encouraged residents of Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Illawarra to participate in an online survey to have their say on the future of water management.

Mr Costa said input from the community will play a vital part in drawing up Sydney’s 2010 Metropolitan Water Plan.

"It’s important to get people from all walks of life involved in the process as water security is an issue that affects us all,” said Mr Costa.

“A secure water supply is an essential foundation for growth, investment and prosperity. This is the first time the community at large has been asked for their input into planning
the future of Sydney’s water. The four main elements of the Metropolitan Water Plan – dams, recycling, desalination and water efficiency – ensure we have enough water now and in the future.

“We are now planning for the longer term as part of an adaptive management approach, updating the Plan to factor in new information such as population growth projections and
potential impacts from climate change. I’d encourage everyone with an interest in water to log onto the website and have their say,” he said.

Mr Costa also said community members will be randomly invited to take part in a series of workshops across Greater Sydney, which will include householders, businesses and
non-government stakeholders.

“The Rees Government values community input into the way in which our water resources are managed,” he said.

To have your say by 7 June 2009 or for more information visit the Water for Life website at http://www.waterforlife.nsw.gov.au/about/plan/updatingtheplan. Community members without internet access can phone 1300 136 888 for assistance to complete the survey.

The updated Plan will be released next year.