Wonthaggi+resident

You have a strong interest in ensuring that the public’s opinion is heard and that your needs are being met. Now you, perhaps more than most, will understand what life is like for a person living in Wonthaggi. Now you need to get a mental picture of the key issues that might impact on this goal. Remember to include links to websites you have used.

Back to ecological issue page.

** Key Question #1: What are the living standards in Wonthaggi like? **

Information from websites



Response

** Key Question #2: How will the public be affected if desalinated water is or isn’t used? **



Information from websites __Threat to marine Environment__ __Climate Change__ __Affects Community__
 * Discharge 7000-L waste matter per second into the ocean, [compromising of brine, heavy metals, toxic chemicals (eg chlorine)] which can critically harm ecosystems as the toxins spread quickly underwater.
 * Sucks in 300 000 small organisms per second (killing them instantly in the machinery) that are on the ocean floor. As these are the base of the food chain, this would set off a chain reaction, affecting fisheries, neighbouring Marine National Park, Penguin Reserve and RAMSAR wetland.
 * Plant produces up to 1 000 000 tonnes carbon emissions every year
 * Uses up greenhouse gases
 * //Negatives//:
 * Visually, has large impact; large, uninviting and unattractive.
 * Overhead transmission lines would cut through farmland
 * Can be heard from up to 50km away, runs 24 hours and consequently disturbs neighbourhood
 * Promotes water wastage
 * Direct impact on some farmers to grow crops within their property
 * Will cause water prices to increase, with the average family paying an extra $900 per year. ( 3 to 10 times the price it is now)
 * Uses almost 2% of Victoria’s total energy (enough for 170 000 houses)

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 * //Positives//:
 * Will provide 920 direct jobs and 2260 indirect jobs during construction.
 * Will cause economic boost; "Will add more than $1 billion a year permanently to Victoria's GDP (Gross Domestic Product)" according to //Your Water Your Say//

http://www.yourwateryoursay.org/desal-questions-asked-and-answered-in-our-brochure-and-more-questions-answered/________  http://www.theage.com.au/news/NATIONAL/Water-desalionation-plant-for-Victoria/2007/04/07/1175366508108.html____ http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsuastralia/row_over-victoria39s_desalination_plant_64215____ http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24016990-661100.html__ http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/14/2302648.htm__ [|http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=wpipNuwfRK8__] [|http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=wpipNuwfRK8__]

( all pictures courtesy of [|yourwateryoursay.com__] )

Response 

With a rise in water prices, many residents with a low income will be directly affected, forced to $900 extra per year for water. The neighbouring farmers will also be directly affected, as their crops could be exposed to some of the chemical waste that the plant produces, and the "overhead transmission lines will cut through some of Victoria's best farm land" (according to Danny Luna, acting chief executive officer of Bass Coast Shine Council). The extreme size and noise that the plant inhabits will ultimately cripple the tourist population that would otherwise visit Wanthaggi for a holiday.

** Key Question #3: What does the public of Wonthaggi think?

** Information from websites

Response

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 Focusing your Evidence: an Action Plan
We plan to recycle our water using methods that are noninvasive, energy efficient and don't pose a threat to the environment. This could be achieved through installing rainwater tanks, encouraging water saving, catching more storm water, introducing recycled water and fixing leaking pipes, taps and fixtures. As long as there are alternatives, we are not willing to give in to the prospect of a Desalination plant, which will harm our ecosystem and greatly affect climate change. We do not welcome the plant into our homes as it is ruining our crops, scaring away our toursits and distrupting our lives; there are many other potential sites outside of Wonthaggi-Kilcunda. We do not have respect for our government, as they have shown no respect for us. They have failed to provide us with financial support and have completely disregarded our protests "The Government continues to show a lack of respect for the local community" says Danny Luna, acting chief Executive officer of Bass Coast Shine Council. Consequently, we need to reinforce a valid and non-baist EES (Environment Effects Statement) which will allow the public to fill out a detailed report that describes the likely envionrmental effects of having the plant. We are certain that if Wonthaggi residents are giving a voice, they will vote "no" to a desalination plant.