Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council built the $50 million pipeline, with financial help from the state and federal governments, to “drought-proof” Goulburn after the town’s water supply was almost depleted by drought in 2007.

Wingecarribee Shire Council generously agreed to Goulburn’s request to tap into our water supply – it was the neighbourly thing to do.

But now there is talk of Goulburn profiting from the project by allowing the private sector to tap into the pipeline.

The water was originally meant to “provide a secure water supply for Goulburn, including during major droughts” (from www.highlandssourceproject.com.au). It must be emphasised that the water has not been treated, so there is no cost to Wingecarribee Council.

Neither Wingecarribee Shire Council nor its residents “own” the water in Wingecarribee Reservoir; Sydney Catchment Authority controls that.

So what is the big deal with this issue? It would seem some people have their noses out of joint because Goulburn has discovered a way to make a return on its $10 million investment.

And why not? Nothing was put in writing preventing Goulburn from being entrepreneurial.

Wingecarribee Council is not being burdened by any cost.

If drought hits again and the Wingecarribee Reservoir level drops it can be topped up from the Shoalhaven.

Seems simple enough, except that if the water taken by the private sector proves to be too much in a drought, Goulburn will be left back at square one – with too little water for its residents.

Allowing the private sector to tap into the pipeline is not only morally wrong (after this shire was led to believe it was for Goulburn only), but also could prove to be foolhardy on Goulburn’s behalf.