Dam is canned!
Premier Kristina Keneally announced this morning that Tillegra Dam won’t go ahead. “The project is not in the public interest”. Yippee! The Planning Department’s decision is here. The Director General’s summary is here and the Minister’s instrument of refusal is here. Read the ABC news report.
“There is inadequate justification for the proposal as the best option to meet the long term water suppy needs of the Hunter Region.”
“The Department therefore considers that the precautionary principle should be invoked on the basis of the significant residual uncertainty about the impacts of the project within the Williams River, the Hunter Estuary, the Ramsar Wetlands and other water users within the Hunter System and Tidal Pool. Additionally, the Proponent has other water supply options available that it could pursue to achieve its needs. Subsequently, the Department is of the view that the proposal is not in the public interest and should be refused.”
Linda Michalak said:
Hi guys – well done. I have been trying to raise awareness of the case of Gillian Sneddon – the two matters seem to have collided between 10 November 2006 when Gillian claimed that the NSW parliament had known for months that Orkopoulos was under investigation for child sex crimes and 13 November 2006 when the dam was announced. The day after the arrest Iemma was being congratulated for his handling of the crisis, then the next day, after Gillian’s disclosure, opinion pieces talked about the Iemma govt being blown out of the water! Iemma had been to a water summit on the day before the arrest – is it all making sense now? We have been happy to support you guys, now please do not forget the origins of this announcement – Coombs has already been out this morning issuing threats to prove the link. Iemma did not deal with suggestions that there was a cover up and Gillian was got rid of as part of it, and no Premier has since, and Gillian needs justice, so if anyone asks make sure they know the facts. Thank you and well done again!
Jane Smith said:
Congratulations to you all for a fantastic effort over four long years! Thankyou for everything you have done for all the the people of the Hunter – and for our children, and their children…
What an inspirational community based campaign.