Valley secures more funding

Carly Morrissey | 6th July 2009

THE end of the financial year heralded more than just tax time - it also marked the date that key Mary Valley services were supposed to cease.

But due to the hard work of Mary Valley Inc and other community groups, Premier Anna Bligh has given the Valley a small win by funding the Community Futures Taskforce for another six months.

Mary Valley Inc media officer Kaili Parker-Price said not only did the taskforce receive funding for another six months, but community development officer Marie Hensley has funding to work full-time until the end of the year.

Mrs Parker-Price said the taskforce was much needed in the valley at least until a decision on the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam was made. She said she was very happy the time had been extended.

“We need the support of these organisations to help the Valley through. Dates on paper aren't relevant when this is still going on,” she said.

The decision on the dam has been delayed for months and there are still a lot of emotional, economic and social issues that will go on beyond the announcement.

Mrs Parker-Price said people were still faced with losing their properties and are stressed, wondering if schools will still exist.

She said the community had changed a lot in three years and would never be the same again.

“It's just like the five stages of grief.”

She said on the eve of every announcement date emotions built up and then, when the decision was postponed, it all started again.