13 November 2008
STATEMENT ON WATER ACT BREACH
From the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance
Eight protestors have been arrested for obstruction and trespass under the Water Act (1989) and will be charged on summons. The arrests took place around midday today on a section of the Sugarloaf Pipeline’s 70km construction corridor, south of Glenburn, when protesters entered a designated worksite without authority.
Protestors were warned that they would be in breach of the Water Act (1989) if they persisted in entering the construction corridor without authority or if they failed to leave the designated area. These matters are expected to be heard at the Seymour Magistrates Court.
Project Director for the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance, Rod Clifford, said: “The Alliance understands this is a sensitive issue. We’ve gone to great lengths to work with affected landowners and the wider community to explain the rights, obligations and importance of the project.
“We realise the protesters have strong feelings about the project, but the reality is that it has been through a very rigorous environmental assessment process at both the State and Federal level.
“We respect the rights of people to protest and express their point of view lawfully. Beyond that, it becomes a matter for Victoria Police and the courts,” said Mr Clifford.
“Affected landowners will be compensated fairly, both for easements on their land and for any loss as a direct result of the construction of what is a critical piece of infrastructure. The land itself will be fully reinstated.” Construction began on 18 September and the laying of the first of 5,500 lengths of pipe began this week.
Melbourne Water is contributing $300 million in irrigation upgrades to access a share of water savings to flow through the pipe to help secure Melbourne’s water supplies.
“Ensuring the safety of members of the public and staff during the delivery of this vital project is our most important job. Works on this site include 11 tonne pipes, open trenches and large construction equipment.
Keeping unauthorised people out our areas of construction activity is part of our duty of care,” added Mr Clifford. A designated protest site had been established approximately 10 metres from the worksite, away from heavy equipment, for protesters to express their views lawfully.
Melbourne’s water storages are currently at 33.5% compared with 40.4% at the same time last year.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846