George Campbell (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—There are a number of key reasons why the Labor Party will not be supporting the motion. Firstly, the motion is vague. Labor oppose the damming of the Clarence and Tweed rivers, and this motion does not say that in clear terms. Secondly, Labor strongly support working with local communities, local water authorities and state governments in developing options for a future water supply. Based on strong concerns raised by the New South Wales government and the Northern Rivers communities, Labor oppose the Howard government’s proposal to dam the Tweed and/or Clarence rivers. Thirdly, the last part of the motion calls on the government to focus on water efficiency standards and water conservation, which is fine, but fails to mention water recycling, rainwater tanks and stormwater capture and storage. Therefore, Labor will be opposing the motion.