Australia faces drought 'emergency'
Pastor Dale Morgan
Australia faces drought 'emergency'*
By Paul Osborne and Chris Herde
August 06, 2006 03:59pm
Article from: AAP
AUSTRALIA - THE Queensland Government could declare a state of emergency
to tackle the state's worst drought on record.
Premier Peter Beattie today flagged the possibility of using emergency
powers, which have previously only been used for major bushfires and
cyclones.
State cabinet will meet tomorrow to thrash out a strategy for addressing
the water shortage in the south-east corner, which could include new
laws to force councils to meet water-saving targets or an emergency
declaration.
Figures released today showed the past 10 years had been the driest in
the state's history, with dams now needing the equivalent of the 1974
floods to get back to sustainable levels.
Mr Beattie said he would contact all 18 councils in the south-east
individually to talk to them about their water plans and set deadlines
for action.
"We now have the worst drought on record and we will take whatever
legislative means are possible," Mr Beattie said.
"It's likely we may even declare a state of emergency in terms of
drought, in terms of water, under the act.
"Councils know what that means – it means that we can actually dictate
the delivery of infrastructure on time.
"There is no more time for squabble between councils and the state
government – we are sick to death of it."
The 18 councils have been in a war of words over Mr Beattie's water grid
proposal, which includes two new dams, water recycling, desalination and
pipelines.
Councils control an estimated $1.3 billion in water operations statewide
and some are opposed to the location of new facilities, as well as
drinking purified, recycled sewage.
Local Government Association of Queensland president Paul Bell said
today councils were cooperating and there was no need for the government
to take on extra powers.
"The Premier has all the powers he needs to make a difference now," Cr
Bell said.
"I appeal to the Premier to consider the facts. Let's roll up our
sleeves, sit down and work together – I'm certain that's what the people
we all represent expect from us."
Mr Beattie's comments have also sparked speculation of an election on
September 9 – six months earlier than expected.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said Mr Beattie was trying to
create a crisis to trigger an early election.
"It's just further proof that the Premier intends to call an early
election," Mr Springborg said.
"He's ramping up the water issue in a bid to make it the reason for
going to the polls.
"What he should be doing is getting on with the job of fixing the problem."
Mr Beattie also faced criticism today from within his own party over the
lack of foresight to deal with the drought.
Noosa MP Cate Molloy, who has been disendorsed by Labor after opposing
the Traveston Crossing Dam near Gympie, said Mr Beattie's water strategy
was unclear.
"I'm speaking to people who are Labor supporters and they are confused
as to what is actually happening," Ms Molloy said.
"The goalposts keep changing and the confusion has been created by the
Premier."