October 11, 2006

QUEENSLAND Premier Peter Beattie admits water prices will rise as a result of his plan to build a statewide grid of dams and pipelines.
Mr Beattie previously stated water rates would not go up as the government rolls out its long term plan to drought-proof the state.

But pressed by Opposition Leader Jeff Seeney in parliament today on whether he stood by his earlier comment, Mr Beattie said prices would rise.

“The reality is there will be a movement in water prices,” Mr Beattie said.

“Our job is to keep it as low as is humanly possible.”

Mr Beattie described the issue of water pricing as “politically sensitive”, which was why he had asked the state’s independent water commissioner to advise the government on the issue.

“Until the water commissioner has completed the evaluation, no-one knows that (cost),” he said.

“You don’t build dams for nothing, you don’t build pipelines for nothing.”

Mr Beattie said before any prices were determined the government would seek to ensure local government contributed its fair share towards the projects.