While the plan outlines future options, Labor should be more focused on the now and easing the immediate cost-of-living pressures facing Victorians - not another mega-expensive desalination plant.
The reality is that Victoria already has a desalination plant at Wonthaggi, costing taxpayers $600 million every year to run for the next 15 years - yet it only produces on average 35 billion litres per year, far below its 150 billion litre capacity.
The plant is rarely used to meet the needs of Victorians, operating mainly to satisfy contractual obligations.
Rather than prioritising expensive desalination projects, Labor should focus on delivering relief to families struggling under its cost-of-living crisis and investing in essential services like health care and mental health.
With Melbourne's water storages currently at 73 per cent, a second desalination plant is neither urgent nor a responsible use of public funds.
The state does not need extravagant new infrastructure while everyday Victorians are under financial pressure.
Victoria deserves smarter planning, sensible spending and action that puts people first, not pet projects.
Labor can't manage money and Victorians are paying the price.
