In the same week Minister for Water Nathan Reese announced the Kangaloon borefield had been “shelved”, land owners received letters advising of Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) plans to construct 15 new test bores and one observation bore in the next two months.

Kiama MP Matt Brown also sent out a letter announcing water harvesting from Southern Highland aquifers would not go ahead.

Kangaloon farmer John Whatman recently received a letter advising “the SCA is investigating the use of groundwater to supplement water supplies during severe drought” on the same day Mr Reese made his announcement.

Two of the bores will be constructed on private land - one on Mr Whatman’s property - and the others on SCA land.

Mr Whatman said SCA actions showed Kangaloon borefield would go ahead, despite the state government’s trumpeted announcement last week.

He backed Goulburn MP Pru Goward’s call for the State Government to can the whole project.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, June 25

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