Truss appalled at Dam’s EIS whitewash
22nd October, 2007
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, said that many of the claims made in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Traveston Crossing Dam are simply unbelievable.Mr Truss said that Premier Anna Bligh, who released the draft EIS last week, must think the people of the Mary Valley are fools to swallow the nonsense being passed off as a scientific study.
“In brief, the 1600-page document and its associated propaganda claims that the Mary Valley will be $244 million a year richer, there will be 778 more people employed permanently, the lungfish, Mary River turtle and cod will be better off and international cricket teams will base themselves at Kandanga,” he said.
“I have serious concerns about many of the statements being made in these documents. Many are contradictory, questionable, unbelievable or discredited.” (See attachment)
Mr Truss said that Queensland Water Infrastructure (the Queensland Government-owned company building the dam) has produced elaborate, glossy publications full of pretty pictures and feel-good stories, but when the people of the Mary Valley read the reports, they will feel cold and ignored.
“The people of the Mary Valley are expected to be happy with an old steam engine, new sports facilities and sewerage at Kandanga, some walking trails and an information centre — in return for their livelihoods and the destruction of their valley.
“Farmers will be insulted by the Queensland Labor Government’s offer of a $2.5 million Food and Fibres Futures package to diversify their incomes. How can you adjust your farming practice to accommodate being under water!
“One new publication is called Traveston Crossing Dam Project: Overview — Environmental Impact Statement but inside the 104-page book there is one line which says it is not the EIS!
“For public submissions to count, people must base their submissions only on the draft EIS.
“The Federal Election on November 24 will be a vital opportunity for local people to say ‘no’ to the draft EIS and to say ‘no’ to the Traveston Crossing Dam. Put Labor last on the ballot paper,” he said.
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What the EIS says
Traveston EIS Executive Summary
The EIS dismisses all environmental concerns about the Traveston Crossing Dam and says this is the best place to build a dam.
• It is possible that the storage will be colonised by weed species including the noxious salvinia and water hyacinth. (p2.15)
• The local fauna is considered generally flexible in its ecological requirements. (p2.16)
• No juvenile lungfish were observed in the 2006/07 EIS survey, but these are notoriously difficult to sample. (p2.18)
• … it is not known whether lungfish breed in dams. (p2.18)
• Lungfish may breed in storage. (p2.18)
• Lungfish may move upstream to breed. (p2.18)
• … there is no published data concerning the abilities or otherwise of Mary River cod to utilise fishways, there is no particular reason why lungfish and Mary River cod should not be able to use the fish lock in the same way that other large bodied mobile fish species are likely to. (p2.21)
• The loss of existing riparian zone will impact on the habitat of the frog (southern barred frog) and may also isolate individuals. (p2.27)
• It is recognised that most of the direct negative impacts of the Project would be in the local market. ( p3.2)
• Less evaporation than the Borumba or Wivenhoe Dams. (p1.2)
• Construction cost of $1.6 billion — cheaper than the original estimate. (p1.14)
• 1745 jobs will be created during construction — with 778 jobs once the dam is operational. (p1.15)
(How does it take nearly 800 people to run a dam?)
A sustainable future - produced by Queensland Water Infrastructure
This State Government propaganda boasts the benefits of the Traveston Crossing Dam.
• The dam will promote entrepreneurial and innovative local business opportunities. (p5)
• The dam project will provide for the conservation of the Mary River cod, Mary River turtle and Queensland lungfish. (p5)
• A new Kandanga sports complex may also become an integral part of Queensland regional sports training facilities and is likely to attract international cricket teams. (p10)
• Local residents and visitors will benefit from new recreational amenities including trails, boating and equestrian facilities to be developed as part of the Traveston Crossing Dam project. (p12)
Traveston Dam Crossing Dam Project — Overview EIS - - produced by Queensland Water Infrastructure
This State Government propaganda reports on alleged benefits of the Traveston Crossing Dam.
• The document is entitled Overview Environment Impact Study but on the inside page it says it is not the EIS; and
• The map shows Gympie home and businesses to be saved from future flooding by the dam. (p34)
(What about highlighting all the properties that will be flooded by the dam?)
ENDS
