05-May-2008
Goldstein Media Releases, Environment
The Rudd Government has been urged not to cut the funding for practical water-saving initiatives in this year’s Federal Budget.
“The previous government’s Community Water Grants initiative saves serious amounts of local water, improves water quality, reduces pollutants entering our streams and encourages water recycling,” said the Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb.
The 40 projects funded to date will save over 20 million litres of water in the Bayside area each year.
“Now is not the time to undermine the vital Community Water Grants initiative – one of the great success stories of the Coalition Government,” Andrew Robb said.
“This initiative has greatly assisted local community organisations and schools save, recycle and improve the health of their local water resources through over $1.4million in grants secured over the last 2 years for local organisations.”
Organisations such as the McKinnon Kindergarten, Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club, Glenhuntly Primary School, Sandringham Bowls Club, Highett Bowls Club, Gardenvale Primary School and many more are saving water today because of this initiative.
“Many Australians are committed to better water use and improving water health through practical projects, but we still have a long way to go,” said Mr Robb.
Our economy and way of life depends on putting water to productive use.
Water plays an essential role in Australian life and our commitment to reducing water use needs to be long-term.
“I call on the Rudd Government to show support for local schools and community groups who aim to save water by not cutting this program. To do so would be cutting water saving programs to balance out Labor’s State debt.”
Media Contact: Andrew Hudgson (03) 9557 4644 or 0404 020 896