STATE Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg, Sunshine Coast Regional Mayor Bob Abbot, his colleague Cr Lew Brennan, Queensland Senator Barnaby Joyce and new Queensland Greens MP Ronan Lee all lined up yesterday to provide their comments on the latest Traveston Crossing dam developments.
Mr Springborg said the Bligh Labor Government had stooped to “new levels of absurd spin by trying to blame cows for damaging the Mary River and threatening wildlife, while their dam would wipe out endangered species and permanently wreck the river”.
“It’s time to dump Traveston Crossing dam once and for all and replace it with the LNP’s plan for a desalination plant at Bribie Island powered by renewable energy,” he said.
Cr Abbot said Ms Bligh’s announcement of major delays in the dam project because of environmental concerns was “an enormous credit to the determination of the Mary Valley Action Group led by Kev Ingersole”.
Cr Brennan said he had serious concerns from the beginning over the proposal.
“There now needs to be a major focus and commitment from State Government to help get this community back together after the devastation caused from this emotional rollercoaster.”
Sen Joyce said: “The project is heading into mothballs after the sustained efforts of LNP Member for Gympie, David Gibson, as well as the efforts of the Senate Inquiry, which he set up in association by Senator Joyce and fellow Queensland Senators Ian Macdonald and Russell Trood.
“It has been the sustained efforts of all the parties, including the Greens, that has brought a result,” Senator Joyce said. “I hope all in the Mary Valley get some sense of justice and reprieve. The effort has to continue to put the final nail in this multi-billion dollar debacle.
“We are not celebrating yet, but a few quiet beers at this stage are well in order.”
Greens MP Ronan Lee called on Premier Bligh to kill off the dam in the light of the serious environmental concerns flagged by the Federal Government.
“Spending any more public money on this dam would be scandalous,” he said.
“The premier should show some political leadership and kill it immediately.”
Mr Lee said Tuesday’s decision reflected the great effort by the anti-dam campaign and the increasing influence of the Greens.
“Nevertheless, people should be aware that the dam is back on the agenda if Labor gets back in when the election is called.”
Mr Springborg said Labor was scrambling to back down on their unpopular water policy in a desperate bid to win back voters.
“This is nothing more than a poll-driven decision,” he said.
Source: Gympie Times