Independent Water Authority Warns of Dam Spills as Risk for Labor Before 2022 State Election
Internal emails reveal that an independent water authority warned of the reputational risks of dam spills affecting Labor before the 2022 state election. The warnings preceded the government's decision to cancel a 15 gigalitre desalination order, which was influenced by high water storage levels nearing 95% capacity. Concerns were raised that the opposition could leverage the situation as a government failure. The documents highlight the politicization of water management and the implications of high water levels and desalination on future water security.
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An independent water authority warned of the reputational risks associated with dam spills impacting Labor before the 2022 state election. Internal emails indicated that high water storage levels, nearing 95% capacity, constituted a 'material reputational risk' while households were paying for desalination.
This warning came prior to the government's decision to cancel a 15 gigalitre desalination order. On September 15, 2022, Melbourne Water advised against canceling the order, but the order was nonetheless scrapped on September 23, 2022.
The correspondence suggests political motivations behind the cancellation, as concerns grew over potential opposition attacks. The government is now considering future water supply plans amid changing climate conditions.
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