Tapping Yaragadee running dry of new ideas, Holt
Author: Colin Holt
Published on: 29-March-2011
Nationals’ member for the South West Region Hon. Colin Holt has questioned recent calls to dramatically increase the taking of water from the South West Yarragadee aquifer.
“I think this recent commentary is just a veiled attempt to get the Yarragadee aquifer back on the agenda as an option to fix Perth’s water problems” Mr Holt said
Mr Holt’s comments came after WA water expert Jorg Imberger called on the State Government to take 100 billion litres of water from the aquifer to replenish South West Rivers and for human use.
“The people of the South West rightly believe that the Yarragadee aquifer should be used to meet the current and future needs of the South West” Mr Holt said
With recent forecasts showing the Western Australian population will double in size by 2050 and faster rates of growth expected in the South West, Mr Holt believes the residents and industry of the South West should be the priority for any future reliance on the Yarragadee aquifer.
“After drought like conditions throughout the South West, the Water Corporation has already increased pumping from the aquifer to make sure that Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Dalyellup and Margaret River have enough drinking water. The Yarragadee should be used in this way.” Mr Holt said.
The Water Corporation already pumps water from the aquifer into rivers to ensure environmental benefits. If pumping is increased to the levels that Mr Imberger is advocating the impact of these changes remain unknown, and bring with it enormous associated risks.
