USQ Scientists support water recycling

More than 40 University of Southern Queensland (USQ) scientists and engineers have voiced their strong support for the Toowoomba City Council’s Water Futures Proposal.

Co-Director of the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments at USQ, Dr Jerry Maroulis, says the Water Futures Proposal will have an enormous impact on the city’s future growth and well-being.

“As Scientists and Engineers who live and work in Toowoomba, we are concerned that a significant proportion of the information being supplied to its citizens is highly inaccurate,” he said.

“The researchers and academics who make up this group believe the debate is not about personalities.

“Rather it is about public acceptance of the science and engineering that is clearly saying that the Water Futures Proposal is safe and sustainable.

“Yet this expertise has, to date, been largely ignored by the ‘NO’ case.”

The group is made up of water engineers, nurses, ecologists and other scientific and engineering researchers who feel disturbed and angered by the information being provided by the ‘NO’ case.

“The medical profession have voiced their support and we are joining an ever growing chorus of professionals supporting the initiative.

“People forget that we have always been drinking recycled water via the natural water cycle – if you’ve ever been to Disneyland you’ve drunk recycled water.

“What the voting public of Toowoomba need to focus on this Saturday are the following questions: Is the water safe? and Is the water sustainable?, and the answer to both these questions is YES.”

Dr Maroulis says the alternative options been put forward are not realistic.

“Recycling water is a sustainable long-term option, but water from underground sources is less assured.

“If Toowoomba obtains a much-needed source of water and continues to grow, then eventually additional water will be needed to sustain that growth.

“It would be most unwise for the city’s development to be founded on a water source that may prove to be only temporary.

“Failure to support the Proposal will condemn our city to prolonged uncertainty with respect to water in the short term and unsatisfactory alternatives in the long term.

“We urge our fellow citizens to support the Water Futures Proposal.”

Media Contact: Fiona Taylor, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4117 or +61 423 808 462