Dam at Traveston Crossing. Letter to editor
24 May 06This morning the Minister for Natural Resources, Henry Palaszczuk, advised the House that, tests to date have shown that the areas drilled are suitable for the construction of the Dam, due to the fact that rocks do in fact lie beneath the sand and soil.
It is clear that meetings and peaceful protests have done little to sway the Government to this point, and I fear that as each day passes, the Governmnet is more determined to go ahead with the dam. Perhaps these desperate times call for desperate measures? Maybe the traditional owners of the Mary River, can come up with some good reason why a dam cannot be built, however, I fear that this megadam will go ahead.
I suggested at the Kandanga Rally, that those effected by the dam demonstrate outside Parliament House, however this idea was not even considered. However now, according to third hand sources (as the Save the Mary Committee do not advise me of their events)that they intend to demonstrate outside Parliament on Saturday. No Parliamentarians are there on the week-end. Surely it would be more effective to mount a large protest WHEN POLITICIANS ARE ACTUALLY SITTING.
In France when farmers were up in arms with their Government, they blockaided roads into Paris, bringing the country to a halt, until they got what they wanted. If they can do it, why can't we? We have only one highway, and it would not take too much, to bring the Queensland Government to it's knees and the state to a standstill. I believe this is the only choice that protestors have to change the Premier's mind. I am well aware of the risk this poses but if the people are serious, they will realise that the Beattie Government holds the majority of its seats within Brisbane, and they are close to level 3 water restrictions, and I am advised that polling has shown that the majority of Brisbane residents support the proposed dam.
This is a serious issue, and getting copies of reports etc, even though I have requested they be tabled, will not stop the Government going ahead with the dam. What good will reports be months down the track, when work has probably already started?
I have not been advised at any time of the strategy of the Save the Mary Group, in fact, I have only ever been contacted by one member after I suggested a meeting with the Minister for Primary Industries. Once again, it is unfortunate that with so much at stake, the public and those who will be the most effected are being hindered in their cause by petty politicing and personal egos.
Elisa Roberts
Member for Gympie