Dunsborough's water supply at risk: Vasse MP

The Water Minister Dave Kelly announced that ownership of Dunsborough water and Busselton drainage assets from the Water Corporation to Busselton Water will not proceed.

“This proposal is a very complex financial transaction and the advice from the Department of Water is that it would cost the government overall and not save money,” Mr Kelly said.

“In the current budget climate, even a small cost to the state budget needs to have compelling public benefit.

“The Department of Water has indicated that the transfer of ownership would have no likely benefits to customers.”

The Department of Treasury estimated the transfer would have cost the state government between $3 and $12 million over the first three years.

The Mail asked how these numbers were calculated and were told the Department of Water and the Department of Treasury calculated the whole of government impacts based on information provided by Busselton Water and Water Corporation.

The total does not include any costs associated with delivering non-potable supply, improving drainage or water supplies. However Ms Mettam believes the Government’s reasons for blocking the proposed transfer don’t stack up.

“I’d like to know where Mr Kelly has plucked his figures from,” Ms Mettam said. 

“The government have said the reason for blocking the transfer was based on potential cost to the government, however, just months ago the former Liberal-led government was advised it would be cost neutral.

“I have been working closely with the Dunsborough community, in particular, who are facing a critical issue regarding water supply for green spaces including sporting ovals, school grounds and public open spaces.

“Without this water supply option Dunsborough Lakes golf course will lose its right to its current water source in 12 months.”