Email to Mr Buckingham in response to his question raised in the House. Mr Buckingham Dear Jeremy, On behalf of the concerned citizens of Broken Hill, Louth, Tilpa, Menindee and Pooncarie and other communities in the Far West, we thank you for raising this issue in Parliament. Your Youtube broadcast was widely received, (posted on our FB site) not with much applause I might add. The reply to your question and some of the juvenile, jocular behaviour really hits home how much of a concern the people in the Far West are to some of the inhabitants of the Upper House, known colloquially as The Dormitory. zzzzzzz Really, do some of those juvenile actors purpose to represent people of the State? Some of them are an embarrassment. Some points that need to be addressed are: Since NSW State Water took control over the Menindee Lakes (I believe this was in February 2014, need that to be checked) from the MDBA under the 640/480 Rule, water releases from the Lakes has continued. The issue isnt lack of water, but why there is a lack of water. Not because of lack of rain drought or no inflows into the river system. It is a MAN MADE ecological disaster. Nothing less. Weve gone from 480gL storage (when NSW State Water took control) and over 200gL has been released since February 2014. Some minor evaporation (that happens in areas other than the Menindee Lakes as well, not that Mr Humphries, State Water honchos and like would agree, this is the only place evaporation happens apparently) Apparently over 100gL has been released in the last couple of months alone. Leading into summer, go figure. We surely cant. The questions that should be asked: 1. Why did NSW State Water continue to release water from the Lakes for the last 8 or 9 months knowing there were no inflows, no substantial rain predicted and drought conditions imminent? 2. On whose authority was this done? 3. When and where were the local community consultations held? When John Ajaka (?) was giving his reply, or should I say parroting the information given to him by the Minister for No water, when referring to the drought why wasnt that a consideration for reducing or stopping completely the continued releases from the Lakes? Do they actually acknowledge that this situation is entirely man made. There would have been enough water for several years if it hadnt been released by our own State officials. These are some of the questions that need addressing. These are some of the reasons for so much anger. These are some of the reasons why bloody minded, self serving politicians give the impression that they dont give a tinkers cuss to the ordinary Joe Blow. Typically, in the Far West its out of sight, out of mind. Well there is a particular large group (over 8,000 FB members and growing) that demand their voice is heard. Mr Ajakas comment about consultation withe the community is absolute bullshit. It was a directive from Mr Humphries and followed up by Susan Leys and John Williams. Unfortunately for us, theyre our elected representatives. I/we only wish that they would represent us. Not pander to party bosses and follow Party lines (or should that read Party lies). Once again, thanks for bringing the issue and our concerns to the notice of Parliament. Hopefully you can persuade a few others in the House to take some time and endeavor to support us. There is still a long fight ahead of us, but rest assured, were up to the challenge. Theyve seen nothing yet. Perhaps they may try to engage the local communities, after all they reckon they have already. It might be time to revisit. ps Should you require further information pertaining to this man made disaster, the contacts I furnished you with would be happy to assist. By the way. Send a copy of these to Mr Ajaka. Im confident hes never heard of Broken Hill, Menindee or some of the other river towns until you raised the issue. jeremybuckingham.org/2012/02/01/murray-darling-tour-30-january-to-2-february-2012/ https://flickr/photos/62459458@N08/6845208559/ abc.net.au/news/2014-04-09/junction-mine-shaft-at-broken-hill/5376992 Regards Mark Williams
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 10:09:54 +0000
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