Our View: Traveston Crossing dam

Nev McHarg, Opinion of | 7th October 2009

QUEENSLAND'S Co-ordinator General Colin Jensen gave the Traveston Crossing dam his tick of approval but placed 1200 conditions and requirements on the dam.

Craig Warhurst

Poll

Do you think the Traveston Crossing dam should go ahead if all 1200 conditions of the report are adhered to?

QUEENSLAND'S Co-ordinator General Colin Jensen yesterday gave the proposed Traveston Crossing dam his tick of approval but in doing so placed 1200 conditions and requirements on the dam, many of them to be met before construction can start.

Just how these 1200 conditions are to be met is anyone's guess as there is no plan for meeting them, just a list of conditions.

About three weeks ago, Premier Anna Bligh had the bulldozer moving in this year and the dam completed by 2011. However, like many of her claims in regard to this dam, they have now been shown to be just more words.

Yesterday it was announced that no construction on the dam would start until 2013, meaning that if it is ever built it will be at least 10 years since it was first proposed by then Premier Peter Beattie.

The paperwork from Mr Jensen should today be in the hands of Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett - the man who stood on a platform of protecting the world and its environment now faces his biggest test.

He has 30 days to come up with an answer to the State Government, put the process on hold or set other standards. Mr Garrett now has to make a decision of some sort.

That approval of any kind would have 1200 conditions imposed on it is a clear sign that this dam is not good for the environment or the region.

Mr Garrett now must give the public time to respond to the almost 1000 pages contained in Mr Jensen's report and associated papers.

The many pages and conditions are a direct result of the public's input into the process and, as a result, these same people must be given a chance to comment on Mr Jensen's conditions.

Ms Bligh still does not have the green light she claimed to have received weeks ago and it seems that it still may be some time away, if ever, before any works starts if Mr Garrett remains true to his beliefs.

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Recent Comments

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Posted by nodam128 from Booral, Queensland

07 October 2009 1:16 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »

Come on Gympie !you all should get behind the Mary Valley and stop this stupid dam. Do all of you in Gympie think that this dam is going to stop the flooding in Gympie.?? Is this the reason for not supporting the Mary Valley. Have a look at the produce that has come out of the valley over the years and still does. This will be a terrible crime and those of you who support it should be held acountable for this travesty. The dam will be the greenest dam in QLD alright. With all the arenic dips flooded, bitumen roads,telecom cables all under water. If Anna wants a green dam boy!!! she will get it alright!!!!!

Posted by debramuckan from Kandanga, Queensland

07 October 2009 9:23 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »

I think that the Traveston Crossing Dam should be approved. It would be a great environmental step in helping prevent extiction of the endangered species of the Mary River. I live and work in the Valley and i think it would be the greatest thing that has happened here for along time, as in money for the region and an ecologically sound,animal friendly dam catchment area as well as trails for the public to walk, horse ride or mountain bike, also bringing 1000's of jobs for locals and outsiders bringing our communities into a more stable financial position. I am a family man with children and we all vote "YES" to TRAVESTON DAM.

S.J.

Posted by nodam128 from Booral, Queensland

08 October 2009 8:26 a.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »

Shame on you Debramuckan. You obviously haven't lived in the Mary Valley very long cause if you had you would not be supporting this travesty. You live in Kandandga and for the dam. You need to talk to the people who have been there for along time and see what they think of the idea!!!! You must be a Labor voter cause that would be the only reason to agree with this Dam. Jobs yes what about the farmers who have put all their blood sweat and tears into building up there properties for futher generations to take over. Doesn't that count for anything! What about them???

Posted by debramuckan from Kandanga, Queensland

08 October 2009 6:01 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »

nodam128 if you will notice the commen was signed SJ so please leave me out of it