|
Has the confusion that existed about the proposed Nathan Dam prior to Christmas been resolved?
Not really with any certainty. Wildlife Queensland is still awaiting written advice from the Premier’s Office on this matter.
Verbal advice has been received but experience dictates that written advice is essential and then at times that may be interpreted several different ways. It appears that ‘off the agenda’ really means full steam ahead to achieve all the necessary approvals from the Commonwealth and State agencies - but then do not proceed to construction until a sound business case is provided. It is Wildlife Queensland’s understanding that there are no clients/customers for the water and the cost of the water would make it prohibitive for traditional primary industries. The ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy appears not to be carrying much traction in the current economic climate.
Wildlife Queensland is aware of statements made by Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning that the EIS should be available for comment by end of 2010. This supports the initial component of our verbal advice.
There are rumours that the proponents Sun Water want to increase the dam’s capacity by 12.5 %. This would not only cause more destruction to the riverine communities (offsets of similar vegetation types within the local region are simply not available) but would also threaten areas with significant heritage value. Wildlife Queensland and QCC are endeavouring to meet with Sun Water to clarify issues with them. Perhaps they also will be in a position to clarify the situation with regard to the boggomoss snail as neither the State or Commonwealth Governments appear to have the information available for scrutiny. Furthermore rumours abound that Sun Water is to take a keen interest in the massive volumes of waters arising as a by product from Coal Seam Gas production.
As soon as new confirmed information on the proposed Nathan Dam is available we will post it on this website.
More articles on the Nathan Dam and Boggomoss Snail:
For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email. |
