Is the Williams River damned?
Community forum on Tillegra Dam at Newcastle City Hall Wednesday July 28th 2010
(details here)
Community members from Newcastle, Dungog and throughout the Hunter region will gather at Newcastle City Hall tonight to hear political representatives outline their positions on the controversial Tillegra Dam. The meeting has been called ahead of an expected announcement on the dam by the NSW Government.
“Since it was announced, this dam has drawn fire from renowned water planning experts and ecologists, the fishing industry and community groups,” said Pepe Clarke, Nature Conservation Council of NSW. “At tonight’s forum, we’ll hear whether politicians contesting the seat of Newcastle in the March 2011 election support or oppose the dam, and whether they support community involvement in sustainable regional water planning.”
Speakers at tonight’s forum include:
· Antoine Mangion, Policy Coordinator, Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW
· Brad Warren, Executive Chairman, Oceanwatch Australia
· Carol Pasenow, Dungog community member living in the inundation area
· Linda Bowden, No Tillegra Dam Group
· Justin McKee, Campaigner, Wilderness Society Newcastle
“More than 8,000 people have made submissions, written to Jodi McKay and Premier Keneally and signed petitions expressing their opposition to this dam,” said. “Tonight’s forum creates an opportunity for these concerned community members to hear directly from the politicians who may represent Newcastle after the 2011 election.”
“The political process to fast-track this dam has been disgraceful,” said Bev Smyles, Hunter Environment Lobby Inc. “Our members are shocked to see science and due process set aside throughout the decision-making process.”
State member for Newcastle and Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay has declined her invitation and failed to respond to requests for advice on an alternative speaker.
“This is disappointing considering the NSW Government is the proponent for the proposal,” said Bev Smyles.
Ms McKay has been avoiding interacting with constituents since June as anti-dam protests have increased in frequency and intensity. She has cancelling meetings and other public commitments.
Save the Williams River Coalition groups include the Wilderness Society, No Tillegra Dam Group, National Parks Association, Total Environment Centre and NSW Nature Conservation Council.
Interviews: Pepe Clarke (02) 9516 1488 Bev Smyles 0428 817 282