Water Minister’s $14.3m desal discrepancy

Shadow Minister for Water, Peter Walsh

Speaking on 3AW today, Water Minister Lisa Neville stated the cost of the 50GL desalination water order was $12.7 million, which she said equates to $12 extra on Melbourne Water bills.
The Government has previously said the desal water order this year would cost $27 million.
Not only has the Minister pushed up the cost of living for Melbourne Water customers by placing an unnecessary water order, she now doesn’t know what the cost of that order is.
With Melbourne’s water storages steadily filling and a wetter than average spring predicted, it is time the Minister came clean and admitted they have got it wrong and cancel the order.

Media contact: Emma Manser 0437 225 386 emma.manser@opposition.vic.gov.au