Draught; does it affect your country?

[Shazzam]

Australia is experiencing one of the worst draughts since the early 1900's. Sydney's Warragamba Dam is at its lowest level ever. Water restrictions have been in place for 12 months and things are getting worse. People are blaming the government for not being insightful enough to realise that the dam would not be able to cope with the increasing population in Sydney.

It isn't only Sydney that is suffering. People that live in regional areas (farmers) have been living with draught situations for the last four years (if not longer in some places). The price of produce is going through the roof; as farmers battle to keep stock alive. We also have to take into consideration the increasing price of fuel which is costing farmers and purchasers in the market place.

Is your country battling from draught?

Everything seems to be out of place; when you hear about the devastation caused by flood etc in the rest of the World. Then we look back at Australia that can't get enough rain.

This is nothing new for Australia though (it can't be blamed on the ozone etc). Australia has always had difficulty with rainfall. I am starting to believe it has more to do with lack of proper planning.

[Danyet]

At times here in the US they claim that their is a drought but in reality it is nothing like what you have in Australia.

Poor planning? In Australia I'd say so. The government for so long has implemented a destructive immigration policy that has ensured that the end of the Aussie way of life would come sooner rather than laler. Along with this policy came the overcrowding of cities distribution problems and a lack of the one the thing that Australia has the least of - water.

[Shazzam]

At times here in the US they claim that their is a drought but in reality it is nothing like what you have in Australia.

Poor planning? In Australia I'd say so. The government for so long has implemented a destructive immigration policy that has ensured that the end of the Aussie way of life would come sooner rather than laler. Along with this policy came the overcrowding of cities distribution problems and a lack of the one the thing that Australia has the least of - water.

Draught is nothing new to Australia you are right. What is unusual about it this time is that the capital cities are the ones in trouble i.e. Sydney. There have been shortages before but not like this one. Warragamba Dam is at such low levels (with no end in sight). The population of Sydney is going to be in real trouble soon unless alternatives are found.

The thing is that everytime the government brings up new ideas and locations, local people don't want it. What do you do? I think that people have to keep an open mind. There were plans for a desalatation plant to be opened in the Botany area; they didn't like that one bit.

Maybe they won't like it much when they turn on the tap and nothing comes out.

[Danyet]

Botany Bay would be a good choice for a desalination plant. I just hope they have cleaned up their sewage problem in Sydney. I mean after all, dumping millions of gallons of sewage into the water at the north end of Bondi Beach was not a very bright idea. Imagine trying to desalinate seawater with sewage in it.

[Shazzam]

Botany Bay would be a good choice for a desalination plant. I just hope they have cleaned up their sewage problem in Sydney. I mean after all, dumping millions of gallons of sewage into the water at the north end of Bondi Beach was not a very bright idea. Imagine trying to desalinate seawater with sewage in it.

I think (from what I have heard) their intention is to have a huge pipeline that goes out to sea; this is where they will bring water in. I do agree about the sewerage issue; I remember being out in the surf at 'The Bower' at Manly it was gross. Depending on the wind it comes straight of North Head as well. Last time I was in Sydney it looked ok; but as i said weather dependant.

[Danyet]

The last I heard, they were going to build a pipeline going out to sea 2K or something,
from Bondi Beach. I am talking about the sewerage pipe. Sewerage would be released into the ocean 2ks out. Somehow that is supposed to be safe!!! It won't be very nice if the curent brings it towards the intake of the desalination plant!! It don't know if the Bondi pipe was ever extended that far out because I left about then.

[Shazzam]

The last I heard, they were going to build a pipeline going out to sea 2K or something,
from Bondi Beach. I am talking about the sewerage pipe. Sewerage would be released into the ocean 2ks out. Somehow that is supposed to be safe!!! It won't be very nice if the curent brings it towards the intake of the desalination plant!! It don't know if the Bondi pipe was ever extended that far out because I left about then.

I agree; i don't think pumping out into the ocean at all is acceptable. I think they should create pipelines that lead into the centre of Australia (which is ~ useless anyway) and turn it into some sort of fertilizer). Maybe we could turn the desert green . There have to be ways to break it down to make it useable. Politicians always look for the cheapest alternative; no real thought for the future. Hence the draught!

[Shazzam]

Well it looks like preliminary approval has been given for 2 desalitation plants at Kernell (Sydney). The state government feels that they will be privatised; but for the moment (experimental stages) this project will be paid for by the taxpayer. Obviously there will be charges, but we are already paying water usage charges. The government has said that the charges would apply regardless of whether Sydney Dams were at capacity levels.

I personally think it is a good idea. Everything is alright when the dams are full; but people have to learn that development will prevent further water shortages as the population in Sydney (in particular) expands.

People complain like mad when they can't water their lawns, or have to have shorter showers. This might be the solution for the future.