When an extra $630 million buys you 2 months and a bit more water ...

Beattie throws taxpayers' money around like there is no tomorrow.

For him, perhaps that is right.

Excerpt from ABC News (annotated):

Qld Govt fast-tracks water pipeline

29 May 2007

The Queensland Government will spend an extra $630 million to fast-track a vital piece of water infrastructure in the state's south-east.

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Project involves building a pipeline from six waste water treatment plants in Brisbane and Ipswich to three water treatment plants, where the water will be treated and sent to users.

The project was due to be finished by December next year, delivering 210 megalitres a day via a pipeline.

But with the drought dragging on, the Government has been negotiating with the construction company about finishing it faster.

Now, 182 megalitres of water a day will be delivered by October next year [60 days sooner], increasing to 232 megalitres a day two months later.

Deputy Premier Anna Bligh denies it is a panic move.

"If we don't get rain next summer, the time lines are very tight for the pipeline to get to the dam before we start seeing the dam drop below 5 per cent," she said.

"To bring this project back to October in the first stage is a very important part of securing water supply."

Premier Peter Beattie says despite the cost, it is a sensible decision.

"It is sooner and it is bigger and yes, it costs more," he said.

See - Beattie - it's not my money.