Mary Valley needs action, not more talk
23rd April, 2010
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss today said the time for talk about a recovery plan for the Mary Valley has passed — it is now time for action.Mr Truss rejected criticism by Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, that he was just ‘carping’ when demanding action on the regional recovery plan for the Mary Valley, following the rejection of the Labor Government’s proposed Traveston Crossing dam.
“It is five months since Mr Garrett said his department was developing a recovery plan but nothing has happened to rebuild the local economy or the confidence of the people of the Mary Valley,” Mr Truss said.
“Peter Garrett claims he is acting, but then says this action amounts to one meeting between State and Federal departmental officers. This is a typical response from Labor which is all talk — no action,” Mr Truss said.
“Mr Garrett said in a letter to me last week that the Valley would have to apply for competitive grants if it wanted any financial assistance.”
It may have been five months since the Traveston Crossing dam was rejected, but the threats to the Mary Valley have long been known to Mr Garrett. A petition with nearly 6,000 signatures and letters from more than 10,000 people alerted him to the threats that the Australian Lungfish and Mary Valley Cod and Turtle face.
“Minister Garrett is now just the Minister for Environment Protection. He should have plenty of time to deal with these issues. He seems more interested in closing carefully managed sustainable fisheries than working to save the threatened and endangered species of the Mary Valley.
“Labor lacks the will to act, and fails to understand the imperative of providing urgent assistance to the Mary Valley at this critical time,” Mr Truss said.
“Mr Garrett should not have given false hope if he does not intend to follow through with real action. Instead of criticising me, he should get on with the job,” Mr Truss said.
“I have no doubts that Mr Garrett’s intentions were honourable, but as was the case with the bungled home insulation scheme, he seems to be incapable of following through with real action.
“I am committed to working with the people of the Mary Valley to secure a comprehensive economic, social and environmental assistance package to rebuild the Mary Valley.”
