Jan Beer and Cindy McLeish. File Photo by Ash Long

The huistory of the ill-fated North-South Pipeline, and the struggles by Yea woman Jan Beer, were highlighted in State Parliament this week.

“The north–south pipeline stands as a reminder of how city-centric, arrogant Labor governments have little regard or respect for those living in country Victoria,” Ms McLeish told the Legislative Assembly.

“It was 10 years last week since the completion of the almost $1 billion white elephant.

“It was built during the millennium drought at a time when farmers in the north-east were getting around 30 per cent of their annual water entitlements.

“The Brumby government embarked on a project which sold out country Victoria.

“Running 70 kilometres from the Goulburn River to Sugarloaf along the Melba Highway through the middle of my electorate, this was my catalyst for entering politics.

“Locals rallied, led by the indomitable Jan Beer, and the Plug the Pipe campaign took shape.

“‘Plug the Pipe’ was the mantra, and messages such as ‘Put a plug in it, Brumby!’ were put out there.

“Communities in the north joined together to fight against a project they knew did not make sense.

“When water is tight in the city, you can bet there will be a drought in the country, and they could ill afford to send 75 billion litres annually to boost Melbourne’s water supply.

“As it turned out, the protesters were right. It has not and will not be used. It was an enormous waste of money and effort, and we saw more effort being put into spin and intimidation.

“Despite the passive protests, landowners were arrested and escorted off their own property, and protesters were harassed and intimidated. Rights were violated.

“Melbourne Water had to make an official apology to Jan Beer following revelations through FOI that they had spied on, filmed and photographed her and tailed her while she was driving.”