Media Statement - 19th November 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will commit $1.5 million towards securing water for the Australian National Botanical Gardens in Canberra.
Labor recognises the urgent situation facing the Botanic Gardens and their neglect under the Howard Government.
The Liberal statement today is an acknowledgement of the poor performance of the Howard Government to address the long term climate change challenges facing national institutions generally, as well as last minute desperation to save the Liberal Senate seat.
It is also confirmation that the National Capital Authority and Minister for Territories have failed their duty to plan for necessary sustainable water solutions for national icons in and around the parliamentary triangle.
Federal Labor totally rejects statements by Treasurer Peter Costello, who said on 9 May 2007 that “meeting the urban water crisis was a job for State Governments, not the Federal Budget”.
The project will be funded under Federal Labor’s National Water Security Plan for Towns and Cities, which is a practical and commonsense response to the impact that climate change and diminished water supply will have on the towns and cities where millions of Australians live.
Under this Plan, a Rudd Labor Government will invest $250 million to:
- work in partnership with local water authorities to minimise water loss;
- invest in modern, more efficient water infrastructure and – where appropriate – refurbish older pipes and water systems; and
- provide funding for practical projects to save water.