To grant or not to grant ...

In order to proceed with the Toowoomba water recycling project, the Mayor needs funding from various sources, including a grant from the National Water Commission who will make the grant upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

I wonder if the National Water Commission have read the report on issues encountered in advancing Australia's water recycling schemes:

See - Parliamentary Report.

Can the Commission recommend a grant for a project which includes indirect potable use (I-PU!) when the report prepared for the Federal Parliament states:

"Australia takes the position of using the best source of water possible and using recycling to free up drinking water in preference to directly replenishing supplies. Reasons for this approach include the unknown long-term outcomes from ingesting recycled water and the expense involved in programs that monitor the quality of treatment to avoid the possibility of adverse effects." (Page 26)

"At present, experts are rarely able to agree on risk levels. When technical experts cannot agree, it is unlikely that the general public will have confidence in the results. Therefore more research is required about the way in which contaminants operate." (Page 26-27)

"Investment in scientific research is needed - particularly in relation to how contaminants and pathogens can be inactivated, improving treatment plant and pipe system cleaning operations, and improving efficiencies." (Page 36)

How will they justify a grant in the face of this report?