Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 780 Issue Date: 15 Apr, 2024

David Honey is the MLA for Cottesloe, the Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Minister for Water. He was raised on a farm in Cranbrook, is married with 6 children. Prior to politics he had extensive leadership roles with Alcoa. He has a Doctorate in Chemistry from U.W.A and is extremely concerned of the future for our children and grandchildren.

W.A has thrived on our economic development, particularly mining, over the last 50 years but resources are diminishing rapidly. What is going to happen in the next 50 years ?

Economic development relies on water, affordable energy and infrastructure. W.A pours millions of litres of wastewater into the ocean which could be recycled and yet spend huge amounts on desalination plants to supplement our supplies. We have 2% of the worlds natural gas reserves which are getting more costly to harness and will be depleted in approx. 50 years, and yet export 20% of this resource. The cost of gas in Australia is $6/gigajoule. Compare this with Saudi Arabia who do not export any of their natural gas and the cost is $1/gigajoule. Who is smarter ?

On a recent study tour to Israel (Pop 8 million) with limited natural resources, the government has specialised in fostering human capital. Israel is the third largest economy attracting venture capital for entrepreneurs and start ups. 86% of their water is recycled into agriculture. The huge horticultural company Netafim is based in Israel.

When are governments going to change their thinking?

What does the future look like for our children/grandchildren in 50 years?

( I hope I have captured the thrust of Dr. Honey’s talk. It covered many ideas. GW)

Questions from Doc: Perthcentric policies; Viki: Air travel to the North from Gero.

Douglas, after his thought for the day, offered a vote of thanks and the End Polio certificates.