THE elevation of Nathan Rees to new NSW Premier sounds a dire warning to Shoalhaven residents, according to State Member for South Coast State, Shelley Hancock.

She said Mr Rees “will be disastrous for residents on the South Coast”, and had already had a negative impact on the region.

“Nathan Rees, as Water Minister, was the architect behind the increase in water extraction from the Shoalhaven River and the proposal to raise the Tallowa Dam wall,” Mrs Hancock said.

“As Water Minister, he has continued to let down the South Coast Community including ignoring the needs of the Shoalhaven River oyster farmers, River Watch and those opposed to the Labor Government desalination plant.

“The new Premier spearheaded the largest amount of water ever syphoned from the Shoalhaven River with 199,190 megalitres transferred to Sydney’s black hole for the year to June 30, 2008.

“This is an increase of over 20,000 megalitres from the previous year under the leadership of Water Minister Nathan Rees,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Mr Rees, with only 18 months in Parliament, does not have the experience to lead NSW with an increasing debt and the State’s AAA rating under review,” she said.