Rees keeps Southern Highlands aquifer pumping options alive

Dr Kaye said: "What Minister Rees was really saying is that the Iemma government can reactivate the proposal at a moment's notice.

"Far from being off the agenda, the Iemma government is completing all the preparatory stages, including land acquisition, planning approval and tender design.

"The next time Premier Iemma or his successor gets into a panic about Sydney's water supply, the aquifer pumping proposal will be reactivated, with devastating consequences for the Southern Highlands community and their environment.

"Water Minister Rees has left the sword of Damocles hanging over the community's head.

"Farmers, environmentalists and community members will now need to be forever watchful of Sydney's dam levels.

"Every time they head downwards, the borefields proposal will be taken off the shelf and dusted down. Pumping could be put into action without any community consultation.

"Minister Rees has admitted that the water yields from the aquifers would be ‘very modest'.

"He should do the right thing by the people and environment of the Southern Highlands and by the state's economy.

"He should permanently abandon the Kangaloon aquifer pumping proposal in the Southern Highlands as well as Leonay and Wallacia in Western Sydney.

"There are cheaper and less damaging options available," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455