Liberal Party's Andrew Robb puts foot in mouth over Singapore ...

Excerpt from The Australian:

23 September 2008

Victorian Andrew Robb has been given the elevated portfolio of infrastructure, federal-state relations and emissions trading.
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He said that after visiting Singapore, which relies heavily on recycled water, he was convinced it was a system that should be put to greater use in Australia.

"I think one of the reasons we will bring a more objective and effective view to a lot of these issues ... is because we are not part of the wall-to-wall Labor," he said. "I do think we come to the table with a lot less prejudice to certain approaches, and I think we have a far more open mind.

"If 30 per cent of Singapore relies on recycled water, something is wrong in Australia."

He said desalination - embraced by Labor governments in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia - was more expensive, and it was illogical to be moving in that direction exclusively.
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See - Liberals look to fight on green agenda.

Andrew Robb is completely wrong when he says 30% of Singapore's water comes from recycled water.

Here's what the Singaporean government says:

PUB has introduced 3 mgd of NEWater (about 1% of total daily water consumption) into our raw water reservoirs. The amount will be increased progressively to about 2.5% of total daily water consumption by 2011.

Add to that the amount piped to industry and it equates to only 15% of current water use.

Singapore also has the largest desalination plant in South East Asia.

Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide are building desalination plants. Perth's initial plant is already online. The desal plant on the Gold Coast will soon be completed and Anna Bligh will probably be forced to build another near Brisbane.

Does Andrew Robb want to cease construction of these plants?

Newly crowned Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull would be well aware of what happens when you try to force people to drink recycled water.

If not, the Liberals need only look at their efforts in NSW at the last State election as a refresher.

There are a growing number of examples in the southern States where recycled water is being used for non-potable purposes, including purple pipe schemes to specific industrial areas.

There is no reason why these efforts cannot continue.

While it is impractical to attempt to retrofit existing housing subdivisions with dual 'purple pipe' systems, the use of recycled water for industrial uses can be greatly increased.

It's time to require industry to use recycled water and pay for the infrastructure costs. At a time when mining profits are booming, it's illogical to allow these companies to use potable water for mining applications.

It's also not too late to reduce our reliance on potable water for outdoor and toilet uses through the greater use of rainwater tanks.

Use some of these ideas and the Liberals are on a winner ...