Darren Churchill: Australian Democrats Campaigns

Bring Back Balance

ACT Democrats 2007

Media Release 21 November 2007

Let’s get serious about Urban Water say Democrats

“The rainfall in recent weeks would have topped up rainwater tanks. But high temperatures have meant our dam water supply has actually decreased. Urgent action is needed to address our water supply”, says Australian Democrats candidate for Fraser, Darren Churchill.

A recent edition of The Chronicle warned that average water consumption in the ACT is increasing and that stage four water restrictions may have to be brought forward if it continued.

Canberra’s water supply just over three weeks ago was said to be 41.79% of capacity, according to the Weather Channel. Now it is 41.47%

“I’d like to see a Federally funded scheme to allow people to purchase rainwater tanks and an in-line water filtration system for households. Ideally, this should be combined with a programme for domestic greywater recycling for non-potable uses.”

“Rainwater is great for many household uses. I personally like drinking it but I recognise that is a concern for some people” said Mr Churchill, who grew up in country NSW. “It doesn’t contain the additives of town water, which is an attraction for many people and adding a filtration system would make it even cleaner. Being able to choose rainwater for some household uses and current tap water for others would provide real choice for water management”

“I think we should investigate the recycling of water in more detail too. We can’t afford to exclude any proposal, which will help us to conserve and ration this most valuable resource. We’re down to almost 40% of capacity now. How much lower does the water supply have to drop before we get serious about urban water solutions?”

“Overall, we need a National Urban Water Policy with all levels of government co-operating on water saving and water efficiency measures, combined with a water education campaign” Mr Churchill emphasised.

Darren Churchill

Australian Democrats candidate for Fraser

Darren.Churchill@act.democrats.org.au

0412 196 473

Tags: Local, Media Releases, Urban Water

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