Clash exposes lack of unity | Coolum News | Local News in Coolum

UnityWater CEO Jon Black, Moreton Mayor Allan Sutherland, chairman Jim Soorley and Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot at the launch of the SEQ water retail body. INSET: Debbie Blumel.

CHE CHAPMAN

There was anything but unity this week between UnityWater chairman Jim Soorley and major projects councillor Debbie Blumel as they bucketed each other over the makeup of the new water body’s interim board.

Ms Blumel had labelled the appointment of members of the UnityWater board as “jobs for mates”, claiming the well-paid positions had not been advertised and that none of the appointees had expertise in sustainable and cost-efficient approaches to water.

Mr Soorley fired back, describing her remarks as “ignorant and stupid” and the councillor as a “bad loser”.

He said when he was mayor of the city of Brisbane he used to “run the dams, the purifying of water and its delivery”.

Cr Blumel said it was laughable that Mr Soorley held up Brisbane as a model of water sustainability.

“Everyone knows that Sunshine Coast water is being siphoned off to Brisbane because of its unsustainable approach to water,” she said.

“Sunshine Coast people should expect more bullying and name-calling from the boss of UnityWater as the monopoly water retailer distributor seizes control and implements its agenda.

“UnityWater is a monopoly and monopolies can become arrogant because they have the market all stitched up. UnityWater is inherently geared to maximise profit.”

Cr Blumel said the new water body had no interest in sustainability because that could “cannibalise the technologies that UnityWater uses”.

She said the price of water for Sunshine Coast residents would increase as these expensive new technologies were built.

“This will be reflected in the bulk water price which UnityWater will pay and pass on to consumers,” she said.

“Jim Soorley’s interest is to maximise profit and, by his intemperate outburst today, he has shown that he will bully anyone who gets in his way.”

Cr Blumel said the council must ensure people who were appointed to the board had a passion for, and a demonstrated commitment to, sustainability.