Posted on November 11, 2009
Media Release
Senator Russell Trood
11 November 2009
The Environment Minister’s decision to reject the controversial Traveston Dam is a triumph for Mary River community and a victory for common sense, Queensland Senator, Russell Trood said today.
A long-time opponent of the project, Senator Trood welcomed Mr. Garrett’s decision and congratulated the Save the Mary Coordinating Group and other Queensland activists who have fought so bravely against the project for the last three years.
“I applaud the valour and unyielding determination of the people of the Mary River region and their supporters.
“Their tireless campaigning has successfully stopped this desperate and politically expedient charade of a project.
“The Labor State Government has put the Mary River community through three years of heartache, but the fighting spirit of the locals has provided a fine example of the community spirit for which this great State is known.”
Senator Trood said that the proposal has been flawed right from the start.
“All credible evidence indicated that this dam would have been a gross waste of taxpayers’ money, a tragedy for the local communities and a catastrophe for the ecosystems of the Mary River.
“The UTS/Cardno Review condemned it as ‘neither necessary nor desirable’. Geologists and engineers condemned it as atypical and unsuitable. The locals condemned it as socially disruptive and environmental vandalism. And, in 2007, a Senate inquiry expressed grave concerns about the dam’s impact,” he said
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Media Contact: Anastasia Glushko 0406 156 730