What is the point of the desalination plant?

In Sydney we now have water restrictions because of the drought.
But hang on I thought the reason we built an absurd desalination plant ( it is absurd as it costs more than a recycling plant and uses a lot more energy THIS is very good to read on this issue and others.) was because it was an insurance policy against drought.

If not what was the reason for this piece of 'infrastructure'?
come to think of it water recycling could be a great boon to those living in the country and worried about water and drought. Have a read of this information sheet from Sydney Water.
While you are at it read THIS piece form 2012!!