Support to rejuvenate Mary Valley | Gympie News | Local News in Gympie

RENEWED INTEREST: The Mary Valley could attract renewed interest now the dam issue has been settled.

Craig Warhurst

PUBLICITY from the Mary Valley’s Traveston Crossing dam victory could combine with Biosphere projects along the adjacent coastline to help rejuvenate Mary Valley communities and the environment, Gympie Regional Council heard.

In a letter received at this week’s meeting Burnett Mary Regional Group CEO David Brown said benefits from dam publicity could include an increased interest in the Mary River environment, with more government funding, tourism and scientific interest.

However, a staff report said the major benefit would always arguably be that “the major dis-benefit has been avoided.

” The report was a response to a BMRG suggestion that the management strategies for the nearby Noosa and Great Sandy Biospheres could help create “a more sustainable and healthier environment for the Mary catchment.”

Council engineering director Bob Fredman said such benefits should be supported if they are cost free.

Councillors decided to accept the offer of help “with the long term improvement of the Mary River environment and the development of new, sustainable businesses that support local community interests.”