Call for conservation centre funds

3rd December 2009

MEMBER for Gympie David Gibson said the final decision by Garrett confirmed his ongoing call that the Bligh Government should continue with the funding allocated in this year's State budget for the Fresh Water Species Conservation Centre.

“The Minister has clearly outlined the important environmental issues associated with the Mary River and it would be seen as extremely hypocritical if Anna Bligh was now to walk away from protecting these endangered species,” he said.

“This final announcement also highlights the importance that appropriate dams play in a water supply policy and I would encourage the Government to look at the raising of Borumba Dam immediately ...”

Mr Gibson welcomed the possibility of a Regional Recovery Plan for the area, but said any recovery plan must be driven by the local council.

He said Bligh went to the March election promoting that she could deliver economic management but clearly had not done so.

“The serious doubts over the economic merits of Traveston raised by Mr Garrett from independent analysis of this proposal cuts right to the heart of Labor's economic mismanagement of Queensland for the past 10 years and their inability to properly manage major projects.

“The final decision today gives closure to a campaign that has lasted over three and half years. People can now get on with the rebuilding of the community and their lives.

“But let us never forget that Traveston Crossing was a pig of a dam site and it didn't matter how much lipstick was put on by the Bligh Labor Government it was still a pig and will always remain an unsuitable site for a dam,” he said.