COLIBAN Water has defended its relationship with a major consultant, which is associated with the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine.
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It comes after Central Vic Climate Action questioned the water corporation's involvement with GHD.
Coliban Water has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in GHD's services in recent years.
This includes almost $2m for the company's project management and engineering services.
Coliban Water's 2018 annual report also details a $728,760 spend on engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services.
"We have engaged GHD's services for approximately four years due to a need for professional, high quality advice to ensure our services continue to be delivered in an effective and cost efficient manner," the water corporation told the Bendigo Advertiser in a statement.
"GHD is delivering on all its requirements to Coliban Water and therefore we will continue our working relationship with the organisation."
Story continues below Coliban Water 2018 annual report
Central Vic Climate Action member and Coliban Water customer Bernard Tonkin has called on the water corporation to show its commitment to its carbon reduction pledge.
He suggested Coliban Water put its relationship with GHD on hold, or even sever ties.
"Put GHD on notice to stop assistance of a major source of emissions, if they're serious about what they say they're on about," Mr Tonkin said.
GHD has not detailed the nature of its work with the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine, other than to say it is not responsible for the design of mine site infrastructure or construction.
"We have no ongoing contractual obligations on this project beyond early December, when the existing contractual obligations are due to expire," the company said in an online statement.
"We will assess any future opportunities to work with Adani's Australian businesses, which include renewable energy projects, if and when these opportunities arise."
GHD said it recognised that ecological imperatives were steering the world towards a sustainable future.
"Our commitment and contribution to sustainable progress is to provide professional, honest and evidence-based advice to all our clients in all sectors, always within the laws and regulations that apply to them and to our own operations," the statement said.
"Many of our clients across all industries, and in particular the energy, water, transport and agribusiness sectors are taking action to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to be assisting our clients to solve these complex challenges."
The statement went on to explain how working within the fossil fuel industry aligned with the company's 'commitment to providing lasting community benefit':
"As a professional services company, we do not create policy on behalf of governments or our clients, or source business on a policy-driven agenda. We work professionally to apply scientific and engineering knowledge to support our clients, whose operations in turn have to meet commercial, environmental and regulatory requirements," it said.
Coliban Water said it was well aware that climate change would bring significant challenges for both itself and the communities it served.
"These challenges will undoubtedly shape the future demand for water and sewer services," its statement said.
"Our Strategy 2030 document, released earlier this year, is guided by four strategic directions that address future challenges and opportunities in achieving our vision of Water to Live, Grow and Enjoy. These are water security and zero carbon; healthy people and environment; prosperous economies; and green and active communities.
"Within this strategy Coliban Water aims to be well on our way to being carbon neutral by 2040."
GHD was contacted for further comment.
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