Garrett’s report proves dam unnecessary
27th November, 2008
A report commissioned by the Federal Environment Minister Hon Peter Garrett proves that the Queensland Labor Government’s proposed Traveston Crossing dam is totally unnecessary, Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said today.“The report commissioned by Mr Garrett is further proof of what local environmental groups and the Save the Mary Coordinating Group have pointed out all along, that the Traveston Crossing dam is not needed,” Mr Truss said.
A study conducted by the Australian Rivers Institute found that setting a water consumption limit of less than 200 litres per day in the state’s south east would make the dam redundant.
The report also endorsed the LNP’s water policy, finding that stormwater harvesting could supply 20 per cent of the region’s water needs, whereas stage one of the proposed Traveston Crossing dam could only supply between 7 and 12 per cent by 2051.
Mr Truss said the latest report added to the growing weight of evidence against the dam.
“We have known all along that the dam is fundamentally and fatally flawed. The dam has failed every environmental, economic, social and engineering test that has been applied so far and will continue to do so.
“However, as Premier Bligh told the Queensland Parliament this week, her Government is still absolutely determined to build the dam, regardless of the costs or consequences to Mary River communities.”
Ms Bligh’s rock solid commitment to build the dam is in stark contrast to the warnings sounded by her own Coordinator General who has raised environmental concerns and admitted that the dam would threaten protected and endangered species. The Queensland Labor Government alone considers this dam a good idea.
“Ms Bligh’s own Coordinator General and now Peter Garrett have proven to be the Queensland Government’s mythbusters.
“But only the LNP can be Traveston Crossing’s dambuster.”
