The Government wasn’t able to provide a costing of its Fresh Water policy as these issues are so contextual to different regions. TOP’s goal is swimmable rivers, but if any local community decides the costs are too high they can deliver specific instructions to their councils to forgo that objective.

Let’s remember that in any discussion about growth and costs the environment needs to be included. TOP’s goal is true progress; growth that makes us all better off and doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. Overseas experience shows that with smart regulation we can keep growth the same and maintain our environment. So if all true costs are included, this policy is less costly than the status quo.