Cabling problems at Labor’s desal plant

Shadow Minister for Water, Peter Walsh

This morning on 3AW’s Neil Mitchell program, it was reported that a major cabling problem at the desalination plant means it may not be able to produce water for 12 to 18 months even if needed.

Daniel Andrews was a senior member of the Labor Cabinet which approved this $6 billion white elephant, and as recently as November 2014 he said it was “absolutely” a good deal for taxpayers.

The desal plant costs Victorian households $1.8 million per day just to keep it on stand-by, which will come to a total cost of around $18 billion over 27 years.

Even the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has admitted remedial works have “probably got 6 or 8 months to go”.

This dud Labor deal will continue to cost Victorians for years to come.

It is little wonder Victorians are sceptical when Daniel Andrews claims the port sale is another great deal for the state.

Media contact: Sarah O’Connor 0432 074 888 sarah.oconnor@opposition.vic.gov.au