AN opinion piece published at centralwesterndaily.com.au has questioned the need for a pipeline to supply backup water from the Macquarie River to Orange.
The article written by Cyril Smith is another example of mounting opposition to the controversial pipeline project which poses a threat to the river’s ecosystem and native fish population that boasts healthy numbers of endangered trout cod.
In the article Smith logically asks when Orange will experience a water supply emergency situation, considering the township’s water storage dams have been near to capacity since August 2010?
“Orange currently has about five years’ water supply in storage. So for a period of seven to eight years Orange could survive without the use of the proposed pipeline to the Macquarie River or any rain falling during that period,” Smith writes.
He adds “It would appear to any rational thinking person that there is time to re-evaluate the pipeline project so that long-term regional solutions can be initiated.”
“I would consider sourcing water from a secured water supply, like Burrendong Dam, would be a most appropriate course of action for the future long-term water security for Orange and region.
Using funds available for the pipeline construction would be useful to begin a pipeline section from Burrendong Dam to Mumbil. Later, this pipeline could be extended along the rail easement to Wellington and Orange. This would be the start of a useful regional pipeline system.”
Read the full story at:
http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/1319453/water-agreement-long-overdue/?cs=105
