Water Minister Dr Graham Jacobs has re-enforced the Government’s commitment to reopening Logue Brook Dam for recreational use.

“Unlike the previous government, which made decisions based on political or emotional grounds, the Barnett Government’s decision-making process has been based on all the relevant facts being assessed,” Dr Jacobs said.
The Minister derided ill-informed comments by Shadow Water Minister Francis Logan about the dual use of Logue Brook Dam.

“Linking the closing of Logue Brook Dam to increased sprinkler bans showed that

Mr Logan had less understanding of his shadow portfolio than he did while a Minister during the recent energy crisis,” he said.

“Mr Logan’s statement that ‘…5.3 gigalitres .. was due to be drawn from Logue Brook dam this summer’ showed he was not across the facts.

“If Logue Brook Dam is to be integrated into the State’s water supply it has to be rested for two winters to improve the water quality, something that the Shadow Minister apparently did not bother to check.

“The fact that the second desalination plant is due to come on line in 2011-12 also appears to have escaped Mr Logan’s attention as this should compensate for the

5.3 gigalitres that may not enter the system from Logue Brook Dam.”

Alternate sources for the integrated water supply system are currently being assessed by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation in consultation with the Minister.

“Following diligent and scientifically-based consideration, the right decision on Logue Brook Dam will be reached and implemented,” he said.

The Minister said alarmist Opposition comments that the Harvey Water Trade deal would be placed at risk were completely inaccurate as the Logue Brook component of the agreement played only a small part in the proposal.