Canal problems
When an arch-Tory like Charles Court bags Colin’s Canal, even the West Australian can’t ignore it:
Sir Charles Court, the former Liberal premier credited with having the vision which led to the construction of the vital Dampier-to-Bunbury gas pipeline, has opposed any plans to transport water from the Kimberley to Perth.
The article also quotes a public health microbiologist, who thinks the slow flow rate of the canal will require an expensive new treatment plant or pose a serious health risk:
He said the water would take about 90 days to reach the city in temperatures up to and over 40C, which provided ideal conditions for bacteria and viruses to multiply and thrive.
Microorganisms included giardia, which caused diarrhoea; esherischia coli, found in water contaminated with faeces; naegleria, which caused amoebic meningitis; and cryptosporidium, the parasite that in 1998 left Sydney’s water undrinkable.
Similar concerns were raised last weekend by a former Water Corporation resource manager. The estimated cost of the required treatment facility is $200 million, though Barnett refuses to admit it would be necessary.
(Apologies to Nic, who is sick of the canal. I promise I’ll move on to something else soon. Perhaps one vote one value, to keep Gareth happy.)
Update: It was wrong of me to suggest that this is a story the West “can’t ignore.” Steve Pennells chased down the old bastard and hassled him for an opinion.
The more important question will The West cease cheering for Colin’s Canal once the Patriach of the Libs Charlie has spoken ?
I’m predicting an editorial from Armstrong suggesting that Charlie Court has turned socialist and is not supporting Colin’s “Bold Vision” :-)
Charlie Court says “The water that is in the north, belongs in the north”. (West, 17Feb2005)
Barry Haase says “Why does the Premier want to waste WA taxpayer’s money propping up multi-million dollar company Tenix?” (kimberley Echo, 23Dec2004).
Murray Criddle says “Oh it won’t built in the first term. We will certainly get the initiative underway” (ABC Online, http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2005/s1295490.htm).
Fred Chaney says “Something of that length would go through many different native title areas and in each case…people…[will be] entitled to be consulted, so it’s likely that there’ll be very significant as I say native title and heritage implications” (ABC Online, http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitem/200502/s1295657.htm)
Peter Costello says “Well you would have to sit down and you would have to look at construction costs…the price of water…at the alternatives,,,the economic benefits. I haven’t done that analysis” (ABC Online, http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2005/s1296352.htm).
Paul Murray says “Because Tenix, the proponents are not without links to the Federal Government – their lobbyist is Peter Reith the former Minister” (Liberal Party WA website, transcript of radio interview on 6PR).
Does the Liberal Party actually talk to each other within its various party rooms?
Heard a Talkback caller on Paul Murray’s Show basically saying that The Court Family has a vendetta against Colin Barnett, citing Dickie’s attempt to parachute Julie Bishop into the leadership.
I think Sir Charles is right on the money here, and it’s rare that as a ALP member to actually agree with a Court :-)
Keep up the election coverage, Mr Corr, canal overload and all… it’s great for us in the East to get a summary of the events without having to endure the West Australian.
The best bit of the article for the sub title (actually above the headline) on page 19.
It referred to the “… Opposition’s far canal”
For some reason only the first metro edition (printed last night) had this sub title, the country and second metro edition (the one most people read) had “… Opposition’s canal plan”
Intentional or error… hmmm.
re the update, I’m thinking he was hoping Charlie would give Colin’s Canal the thumbs out – didn’t turn out the way he wanted it :-)
I’m now expecting a follow-up article on how Dickie tried to screw Colin by bringing in Julie :-)
Rob,
The Liberal’s 20 question free ad that was in the West is now up as a pdf on the liberals site in it’s own Canal page.
Just saw an ad for Ch 7 News where they investigate the California Canal that Colon says is the benchmark for the Kimberley one.
It seems that it is not the case according to the teaser :-)
I’ll paste whate the 7newsmail says tomorrow afternoon :-)