Land sales start to be congratulated
Buy Back in Tillegra Precinct should herald new age for Dungog Community
NTDG congratulates the NSW Government for commencing land sales in the Tillegra precinct. Ms Carol Pasenow, Chair NTDG, says “this should now put a final lid on any dam proposals for the Williams Valley and allow the Dungog Community to move on to a future free of dam proposals. The benefits to the community will be many fold including a renewed confidence in investments. This move will allow the valley to be restored to its former condition and alleviate the current poor management of weed infestation and non-maintenance by Hunter Water.”
With the retirement of Hunter Water Chairman, Mr Ron Robson, and sales of Tillegra land, Hunter Water can now embark on a culture change reflecting the Hunter community’s desire for a sustainable water plan, which precludes big water source options and augmentation. The Hunter Community have indicated over the past few years by polls, both formal and informal, that they want a transparent water planning process which includes water saving strategies. “Mr Pearce’s statement that the new Water Plan will include community consultation and transparency is welcomed by NTDG and we look forward to working with the current government on the new water plan.” say Ms Pasenow.
NTDG has commissioned a Land Use Scoping Paper and will meet with representatives from Department of Planning in January 2012 to progress the land sales process.
Ms Pasenow says, “2012 will herald a new era for the Dungog community with the commencement of land sales in the Williams Valley and the government’s commitment to sell all land in the Tillegra precinct. The commencement of land sales to the 11 land owners is the first stage for land sales. NTDG and SWRC will not stop actively campaigning until the last block of land is sold back to private ownership and the cloud of future dam proposals is lifted forever.”
For more information: Carol Pasenow, Chair, No Tillegra Dam Group, 0427607491