Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell, today moved a motion in State Parliament condemning Premier John Brumby for calling anti north south pipeline protesters liars.
“More than 1000 people from all over Victoria, including many from Melbourne, gathered on the steps of Parliament on 3rd June to take a stand against the pipeline,” Mrs Powell said.
Mrs Powell called “on the Premier to either retract his statement or apologise to those hard working, decent people, many from country Victoria, who travelled many hours to voice their strong opposition to the north south pipeline.”
“Member for Benalla Bill Sykes and I joined other Nationals and Liberals handing out pamphlets at railway stations across Melbourne, encouraging people to attend the rally and to help Melbourne people understand there are other options for solving their water problems.
“John Brumby accused anti north south pipeline protestors of lying but there is no doubt he is cranking up the propaganda message and using the water authorities to put his spin on the government’s water woes and mismanagement,” Mrs Powell said.
“The Brumby Government should be investing more in water recycling and stormwater harvesting initiatives for Melbourne rather than building a giant pipe to pump water out of the Goulburn Valley.
“During question time today the Premier was asked if he was lying when he said no water would be taken from north of the Great Dividing Range.
“In his protracted answer and, in typical style, the Premier did everything but answer the question!” Mrs Powell said.
“We will continue to fight against the building of a pipeline that will take water from the Goulburn system to Melbourne.
“I urge people who also wish to voice their opposition, to visit my office and sign the anti pipeline petition,” Mrs Powell said.
The petition can be signed at Mrs Powell’s Office, 222 Wyndham Street, Shepparton.
Media Contact: Jeanette Powell (03) 5831 6944
