cartoon Robert Allen, courtesy Anne Kemp
'….. After considering the Traveston Dam proposal and the best available scientific evidence and other material that is in front of me, it’s my intention to say no to the Traveston Dam.'
The Hon. Peter Garrett, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, 11 November 2009.
'My proposed decision is based on science. It's clear to me that the Traveston Dam cannot go ahead without unacceptable impacts on matters of national environment significance. In particular, the project would have serious and irreversible adverse effects on nationally listed species such as the Australian lungfish, the Mary River turtle and the Mary River cod, both of those endangered. And that these adverse effects would contribute to the further decline of the species.'
Conservationists across Australia rejoiced when they heard this announcement. Although it was what they were hoping for, it was not necessarily what they were expecting. It’s not often that, as conservationists, we feel that the right decision has been made and biodiversity and the environment has been given priority over so-called economic development and infrastructure.
Wildlife Queensland was delighted with this landmark decision, a significant environmental outcome for the Mary River catchment, for Queensland and for Australia. There was clear evidence that the Traveston Crossing dam would have threatened endangered species, destroyed ecosystems and laid waste prime agricultural land. Water bought at the cost of destroying crucial, life-supporting environmental systems can never be considered cheap.
Not only did the Minister listen to the science, he must also be congratulated for listening to the people. Wildlife Queensland made several submissions, appeared before the Senate Committee opposing the dam. The strength of the Save the Mary, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee and kindred organisations have clearly demonstrated to the broader Queensland community what can be achieved when people unite with passion for a cause.
The next step is to ensure that the threatening processes that contributed to the EPBC listing of these 3 endangered species are addressed. Riparian vegetation and other catchment rehabilitation work is essential and Wildlife Queensland will be keen to see a duty of care by landholders supported by government funding to stop the decline of these species and improve the environment.
History of the Traveston Dam.
For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email. |
