G. Thomas, Sale
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
WITH the supply of water, enough to irrigate thousands of acres of dry land from Fernbank to Hillside, we should all be very excited.
The idea of water that will provide hundreds of new jobs, commercial and economic development both for the farmers and the community, is breath-taking.
A plus with this creation of local wealth and many new local jobs, comes with absolutely no risk to the environment both physically and socially.
It will be a great opportunity for the local area to become a much bigger producer of food and other agricultural produce.
Surely this new opportunity is something we should all want.
It can be achieved using the water that Kalbar requires for the proposed mineral sands open cut mine at the Fingerboards, Glenaladale.
The gigalitres of water Kalbar needs and assumes will be made available, would be used to keep its dust off our existing vegetable growers and other local farming enterprises.
There would be no possibility for potentially contaminated mine run-off water entering the rivers and lakes during times of heavy rain and floods.
Water is a vital input for agricultural production including the food we consume, and we always want more.
Land values would instantly increase with the addition of irrigation water, and this positive outcome would give the community a better future.
So, instead of the water Kalbar wants and needs, a new irrigation district would provide more jobs and more social and economic benefits than Kalbar can offer, in a safe environment.
I would hope our politicians and shire councillors support an opportunity like this for the community.
It is either mining or agriculture, and they should not forget who supports them, Kalbar or the community?
