Bligh listens to Gympie residents

Deputy Premier Anna Bligh today urged local councils in the Gympie region and their communities to voice their views on the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam in the upcoming environmental impact statement process.

Ms Bligh told the 1500 attendees at the meeting that she was determined to listen and to take on board their issues about the proposed dam.

The Deputy Premier said her visit to Gympie broadened her awareness of the issues and she was pleased to hear first hand the concerns local residents had with the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam.

“I reassured the people of the Mary Valley that we do not intend to use our compulsory resumption powers without agreement from owners until the Federal Government gives approval for the go ahead of the dam,” she said.

“However we will be out talking to owners offering to acquire their land and there are many people who want to take us up on that.”

The Deputy Premier urged the Cooloola Shire Council, surrounding councils and their communities to have input into the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process which will examine the environmental and economic impacts of the dam.

Ms Bligh said it was her responsibility as the Infrastructure Minister to be at Gympie today to explain in person the Government’s proposals.

The Deputy Premier committed to:

• examine rural property insurance implications raised by the dam’s construction

• ensure water quality was a specific term of reference in the upcoming EIS

• look at other water supply options that were raised at the meeting

• release details of geotechnical data, and

• strengthen the Government’s community engagement on the proposed dam with the Gympie region community

“While I’ve given a commitment to fully examine an alternative proposal that was put at the meeting I don’t want to raise any false hopes.

“Our Government is determined to provide the water that south-east Queensland needs and our intention to build the Traveston Crossing Dam is as strong as ever.

“Any alternative would have to be as good or better in terms of water supply, cost and impact than the Traveston Crossing site for the Government to even consider it.”

Ms Bligh answered questions from 10am non-stop until 2.45pm.

She thanked the attendees for their patience and said that the Government would continue to communicate with the community.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900