The justification for the $500 million Broken Hill water pipeline prioritised irrigators and all but ignored the environment, according to the project's business case that has finally been released by the government.for the Broken Hill Long-Term Water Supply Solution was handed to independent MP Justin Field after multiple "calls for papers" and requests since its proposal in 2016.
"Any way you cut this, the pipeline is a half-billion dollar gift to Northern Basin irrigators," Mr Field said, adding that the irrigators would have their hands out for more water, which was "a disaster" for the Darling River. A spokeswoman for NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the government had "aimed to find and deliver a long-term solution to drought proof Broken Hill's long-term water supply", adding the pipeline had been completed on time and on budget.
The business case indicates there was no attempt to gauge the environmental impact of draining the Menindee system, nor the impact of clearing trees, other vegetation and wildlife to make way for the pipeline, Ms MacAllister said.the report also notes that water was needed in Broken Hill to suppress dust and avoid worsening lead levels among the population. Children in the city already have blood lead levels twice that of those in Sydney, the report notes.
p_hannam It's a desert. There's lots of desert thereabouts. Desert's need water, not greenies. GrowYourOwnDope
p_hannam Hang on, when your building a 'business case' for a pipeline isn't the focus the customer NSW that is what a business case is.