https://padlet.com/richard_carney/gs7c17hshnwo Share your media articles for MEDIA PORTFOLIO here en-us 2017-08-07 03:59:24 UTC 2026-02-03 07:02:53 UTC hello@padlet.com richard_carney https://padlet.com/richard_carney/gs7c17hshnwo/wish/180234970 2017-08-07 03:59:24 UTC https://padlet.com/richard_carney/gs7c17hshnwo/wish/180234970 richard_carney https://padlet.com/richard_carney/gs7c17hshnwo/wish/180318220 This story reports on the NSW government and Sydney Water plans to introduce an additional 25 waste water overflow outfalls in Sydney Harbour. Waste water outfalls are designed to divert sewage and waste water into waterways instead of back-flowing into residential and commercial buildings during periods of very heavy rainfall. Both NSW premier (at the time) Mike Baird and Sydney Water spokesperson defend the plans by first employing a "but they do it too" argument, claiming that utilisation of sewage outfalls are common practice and other states are doing the same. Premiere Baird also appeals to the rate paying audience, stating that the plan represents an "affordable" and good "value" option. This eludes to the idea that other more expensive options may result in increased rates, subtly introducing an element of fear to persuade the public towards accepting the plan. On the other hand, the Shadow Minister for Environment spokesperson and Sydney Mayor Clover Moore employ clever language choice to paint an alternate picture of the plan, exchanging "affordable" for a "cheap fix", and challenging "widely used" with terms that imply a negative connotation including "taking backwards steps", and "going back to the 50's". Finally, while critics of the plans suggest there are better options and newer technology, worth the investment to protect Sydney Harbour waterways, the government proponents appeal to the decision of "the experts", which is a common argument often flawed when it implies the decision must be the best one because it was made by "experts", although there are no experts that are completely impartial or all-knowing and the opinion of the expert is never unchallengeable. 

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