Jim Soorley discusses the Brisbane City Council's involvement in water policy. He notes early working relations with the Beattie Government and collaborating with other Councils in South-east Queensland.
Bill Hewitt discusses his transition to the ministry after 14 years in parliament. He discusses what was involved in the portfolio and the government's lack of focus on the environment.
Ken Smith describes his working relationship with Anna Bligh and the more difficult times they have worked through. He goes on to note feelings after the Traveston Dam was denied.
Ken Smith describes his work in large departments and how they confront significant disasters such as drought. He describes the creation of water supply systems that were non-rain dependent. He also notes some of the contingency plans that were put into place in case it did not rain.
Jim Varghese discusses water management and the key policy shifts including recycled water debates, water infrastructure facilities and in his view a serious error of political judgment in not building the Wolffdene Dam.
Ross Rolfe outlines the challenges of building water infrastructure in a short period of time. He praises the work of the Queensland Water Commisson and its chair Elizabeth Nosworthy. He discusses the Gold Coast desalination plant and the various other solutions canvassed. He rejects the solution of supplying water tanks. He states that based on modelling it was clear that a range of things neded to be done including construction of Wyaralong Dam and Traveston Dam, recycling, Gold Coast desalination plant, raising the Hinze Dam and applying water restrictions.
Ross Rolfe describes the approach by Peter Beattie in 2005 that led him to become Director General of Department of Premier and Coordinator General, and discusses the 3 major policy challenges in 2005-07, namely infrastructure, health and water policy.
