❓ Question on Notice regarding international recognition of WA's desalination plant, answered with emphasis on positive media coverage and criticism of the opposition's alternative water supply proposals.
AnsweredQoN 54Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DESALINATION PLANT
Can the minister update the house about the international acclaim the state’s visionary desalination plant has attracted? Mr J.C. KOBELKE
Can the minister update the house about the international acclaim the state’s visionary desalination plant has attracted? Mr J.C. KOBELKE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question. It is certainly of interest that the front page of The Wall Street Journal of yesterday, 11 March, ran a lead story about the desalination plant in Western Australia. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. It is certainly of interest that the front page of The Wall Street Journal of yesterday, 11 March, ran a lead story about the desalination plant in Western Australia. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
I thank the member for his question. It is certainly of interest that the front page of The Wall Street Journal of yesterday, 11 March, ran a lead story about the desalination plant in Western Australia. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. It is certainly of interest that the front page of The Wall Street Journal of yesterday, 11 March, ran a lead story about the desalination plant in Western Australia. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
I thank the member for his question. It is certainly of interest that the front page of The Wall Street Journal of yesterday, 11 March, ran a lead story about the desalination plant in Western Australia. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Is it not interesting that when there is international acclaim for Perth, Western Australia, we get only derision and laughter from the Liberal opposition? When will the Liberal Party realise that its immaturity makes it unelectable? The Liberal Party cannot stand up for Western Australia and recognise — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It continues. Western Australia is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal , being acclaimed as a world leader — Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr P.D. Omodei : So what? Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : — and the Liberal opposition says, “So what?” That is the Liberal Party’s view of standing up for Western Australia, the great things that are happening here and the great things that people are doing. What do we get from the Liberal opposition? “So what”; that is the comment. The report goes on to quote a couple of people. One quote from the World Wildlife Fund states — . . . the WWF wants to see them built like the one in Perth. That refers to building desalination plants in the world. Also an industry consultant in Houston, Mr Tom Pankratz, is quoted as saying — Perth is going to be the model for desalination in the developed world . . . The report goes on lauding the desalination plant that is being built in Western Australia and pointing out how modern countries facing a water shortage will have to look at what we are doing in WA. Again, the immature rabble opposite can simply yell and make derogatory remarks about what is clearly an acclamation for Western Australia. It is not only The Wall Street Journal — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
The SPEAKER : I ask the minister to take his seat. I call the members for Warren-Blackwood and Murray to order. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Television crews from the United States and Japan are asking to come to WA and make productions because of their interest in what is happening here. However, the opposition derides all of this because the Leader of the Opposition believes we should not have a desalination plant. He was quoted in the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail of 16 February 2005. When the Leader of the Opposition was asked what his preferred option was to meet Perth’s future water demands, he responded — The desalination plan is only short term which is why I support Colin Barnett’s visionary canal project. Mr T. Buswell : That’s our policy. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : Does the Leader of the Opposition still support that? Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr T. Buswell : I may have reviewed aspects of that but that was our policy at the time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : It will be very interesting to hear from the Liberal opposition when it is sure enough to have a policy on this issue. We know that the stated position of the current Leader of the Opposition is an absolutely irresponsible nonsense. We know from the Appleyard report of 2006 that bringing water from the north not only would be four or five times more expensive than a desalination plant, but also would have a far greater environmental impact. It would therefore cost a lot more and would do a lot more environmental damage, yet the Liberal position has not yet changed. Members opposite are thinking about it. They might be maturing bit by bit and will realise how absolutely irresponsible it is to suggest bringing water from the north of Western Australia, which would cost many times more and have a far greater environmental impact than would a desalination plant in the south west. The opposition might mature enough to realise how totally irresponsible it is to make such a suggestion.
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