New Minister for Natural Resources & Water ...

... a good choice or not?

Although it's early days, Premier Beattie's choice of Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine, as Minister for the (reshaped) portfolio of Natural Resources and Water could be positive for resolving Toowoomba's water source issues post-referendum.

As a local member, Mr Shine is well aware of the result of the recycled sewage referendum held on 29 July.

Although largely silent during most of the debate in the lead up to the referendum, Mr Shine knows how divisive the issue was for Toowoomba and that around 62% of people living in Toowoomba did not think that Mayor Thorley's recycled sewage scheme would benefit Toowoomba.

Mr Shine also lives in Toowoomba - much better to have one of the relevant Ministers living where the problem actually is.

Toowoomba is also one of the easier water issues to resolve. Buying water from the Norwin irrigators is one short-term solution while longer-term solutions are developed.

Mr Shine will no doubt have plenty of more contentious issues to deal with as part of his portfolio in the next couple of years. While elevation to Ministry level has bumped up Mr Shine's pay cheque, Premier Beattie has saddled him with what may well turn out to be a poisoned chalice.

Mr Shine (in conjunction with Deputy Premier Bligh who will deal with water infrastructure) will have to deal with the fallout from opposition to the Traveston dam. Minister Shine and Deputy Premier Bligh will be responsible for implementing State government policy which dictates flooding people's homes and the destruction (albeit with some compensation) of their livelihoods. The now-retired Minister Palaszszuk went to ground rather than face the protestors - leaving it to Premier Beattie to tough it out. Mr Shine now shares that job.

So here is your challenge Mr Shine (at least as far as Toowoomba is concerned).

Work constructively with the No campaigners appointed to the task force established to look at the other options which are now back on the table. Review the Norwin irrigators' proposal. Don't forget the results of the referendum. And no games ...