Zoe Kenny
Craig Ingram, the state MP for East Gippsland and a long-term campaigner for the regeneration of the Snowy River, spoke to Green Left Weekly about the Snowy River Hydroelectric Scheme privatisation plan.
What have the NSW and Victorian governments done to regenerate the river?
Both governments made a commitment to restore 28% of the previous flow of the Snowy River and devoted $25 million each, on top of the $300 million previously committed to that goal. So far, even the interim goal of 21% hasn't been achieved.
Also, the flows they have released since Snowy Hydro redirected the Mowmba River back into Jindabyne dam have not been environmental flows. There has been no variation in the flow, which would mimic a natural flow.
What would be lost through privatisation?
The government is selling off the hydro plant before they've even delivered their commitment. A company that is privately owned has as its sole obligation the making of profit for its shareholders. We'd lose control over the operation and the water.
Also, this privatisation plan has a compensation clause which will mean that the governments will have to pay the company compensation for any flows above 21%. That's a real concern.
How are the governments handling the issue?
The governments are not allowing a parliamentary debate on this issue; they are not getting the endorsement of parliament. This is a breach of democratic principles.
How does the community feel about the plan?
The community downstream of the Jindabyne dam is very concerned about the privatisation. There will be a meeting in a couple of weeks' time to get a coordinated campaign.
We will need an orchestrated campaign, first to address concerns about the privatisation and secondly to get the three governments [NSW, Victoria and federal] to address the outstanding issues in relation to environmental flows and other risks.
From Green Left Weekly, March 29, 2006.
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