In spite of Mr Romas’ misguided claims, it must be understood that the north-south pipeline will be exactly that - a pipeline to pump water from the north to the south of the state.

The project has no capacity to return water to the north and substantial modification would be needed to do this, as well as a considerable shift in government policy.

At present the one-way drain from northern Victoria does not create a true sharing of resources.

Mr Romas notes that Melbourne water customers are contributing to the cost of irrigation modernisation.

Unfortunately, the result of Brumby water policy is that Melburnians must face vastly inflated water bills for the privilege of being connected very expensively to a rapidly diminishing catchment that cannot sustain local communities, let alone four million citizens over the Great Dividing Range.

This can only be described as a disastrous outcome for Melburnians, who deserve a security of supply from environmentally sound policies such as recycling and stormwater harvesting for non-potable use; policies promoted and embraced by world experts such as Maude Barlow (advisor to the UN on water policy) on her recent Australian visit.

If Mr Romas was better informed, he would know that if his Labor Party had implemented responsible water policy more than a decade ago, Melbourne would have no need to run out of water.

It is unfortunate for Bendigo that some local Labor supporters are too busy vilifying those who express genuine concerns to make any valuable or intelligent contribution to the water debate.

ERIL RATHJEN,

Colbinabbin