**JOINT MEDIA RELEASE **

STMRCG and GMA

Lessons to be learnt from Traveston dam proposal

Three weeks after Minister Garrett announced his proposed decision to reject the Traveston Crossing Dam campaign groups breathed a sigh of relief when the final decision was announced today unchanged.

“We are very pleased with Minister Garrett’s announcement today and would like to congratulate him for his final decision to reject the Queensland Government’s proposal to dam the Mary River.” said Ms Pickersgill, President of the Save the Mary River Coordinating Group (STMRCG).

“Minister Garrett’s decision confirms what we have been saying for over three and a half years – the dam would have caused irreversible damage and was not a cost effective means of providing water security.”

“We look forward to working with Minister Garrett and his Department on any plan to develop a regional recovery plan for the unique species and ecosystem of the Mary River. It is only through involvement and consultation with the community that this plan will have the best onground outcomes,” said Ms Pickersgill

“The Traveston Dam would have been an environmental, economic and social disaster, not only for the Mary valley, but also for the State and the nation,” said David White, co-convenor of Save The Mary River Brisbane Group

"The 50-year draft SEQ Water Strategy is now open for comment and we urge the government to listen to sustainable and innovative solutions based on the best science from the community. A new plan for a secure future water supply based on sustainable principles could provide new and permanent productive jobs for thousands of workers."

"There are many lessons to be learnt from this Traveston debacle in particular the need for proper consultation and negotiation with communities over water use and supply" he said.

Campaigners are calling on the Queensland Government to immediately revise the legislation which was used to justified the proposed dam.

“In particular we want the Mary Basin Water Resource Plan revised. This plan is a farce, created to make the dam look feasible – it doesn’t protect the Mary River or the Mary Estuary,” said Darryl Stewart, president of the Greater Mary Association (GMA). “We also want the proposed dam to be removed from state legislation including the Water Act where it is listed as a drought measure.”

The Save the Mary River Coordinating Group and the Greater Mary Association are involved in the Mary Valley Renewal team and are focused on making sure that the community voice is heard and acted on by the Queensland Government. 'The community deserves to have a voice in our future vision for the Mary Valley and we urge Ms Bligh to listen and to support us in our way forward." Ms Pickersgill said.

"We are having a huge thank you party on Sat Dec 12, 2009 from 3pm - 10pm at the Kandanga Oval (where the first anti-dam rally was held) and invite anyone who did anything to stop the Traveston Crossing Dam to come and join in the celebration"

***Media Release***

TRAVESTON DAM GETS FINAL NO

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has made his final decision on the Traveston Crossing Dam proposal, determining that the impacts of the proposed dam on threatened species would be too great.

“After carefully considering all the information necessary for me to make my final decision, including the recent comments on my proposed decision by the proponent, the Queensland Coordinator-General and the relevant federal ministers, I have concluded that the Traveston Crossing Dam cannot go ahead without unacceptable impacts on matters of national environmental significance,” Mr Garrett said.

“As I stated when I made my proposed decision on this project, all of my decisions under the national environment law are based primarily on science, and the science is very clear about the adverse impacts this project would have on the nationally protected Australian lungfish, Mary River turtle and Mary River cod.

“The independent expert advice and the advice from my department clearly show the Traveston Dam proposal would lead to serious and irreversible consequences for these species and most likely, would lead to their further decline.

“The Australian environment is under pressure on numerous fronts, and much of our unique wildlife is suffering under the impact of threats including invasive species, habitat loss and the effects of climate change. We’re working hard to respond to these and other threats, and sometimes this requires tough decisions to be made.

“In this context, I want to make clear that in making my final decision on this matter I had regard to the overriding objects of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including the protection of the environment, the conservation of biodiversity, and the promotion of ecologically sustainable development and the need to consider the precautionary principle in making my decision.

Mr Garrett said dams could play a valuable role in terms of water supply, when well located and carefully designed. The Hinze Dam and the new dam at Wyaralong were approved in the past two years.

“For the Traveston Dam proposal, however, the species’ breeding and their ability to maintain their population numbers would be seriously affected by the flooding of their habitat and by the fragmentation of significant populations, and I was not satisfied that adequate measures were proposed to mitigate these impacts.

“While I acknowledge that the proponent did a great deal of work trying to devise measures to mitigate the impact of the dam on threatened species, and the Coordinator-General proposed some 1,200 conditions of approval, the reality is that the effectiveness of the measures being proposed was highly uncertain, a number of these measures couldn’t be tested until the dam was operational and the impacts were already being felt.

“Throughout the assessment process a range of measures were suggested to better protect the Mary River environment and the threatened species that rely upon it. I believe there are practical measures that should be implemented to protect the species including rehabilitation of riparian corridors, improved cattle fencing around sensitive habitat, and finalisation of a recovery plan for the Australian lungfish. I believe that these are measures that should still be undertaken despite the proposal not proceeding.

“I believe that it’s critical that both local and state government work together to tackle the threats to these species and secure their future. My department is currently examining the possibility of pursuing a regional recovery plan for the area.

“In making my decision I also carefully considered relevant economic and social matters. Independent analysis of this proposal cast serious doubt over its economic merits. I also had regard to the significant concerns raised by the communities in the Mary Valley that would be most directly affected by the dam.

Mr Garrett said that he was well aware of the need for long-term water security for South East Queensland but noted that the Coordinator-General's report identified that the water to be provided by the proposed dam was unlikely to be required prior to 2026, and that there are a number of alternative water supply options available to the Queensland Government.

The Traveston Dam proposal was assessed by the Australian Government because it had the potential to impact on nationally listed threatened species, migratory species, the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar wetland, and the World Heritage values of Fraser Island.

The scientific expert reports and the economic analysis commissioned on this proposal can be found on the department’s website at www.environment.gov.au/ <> pbc

Campaign Recognised In Environment Awards

Some of the key campaigners who spearheaded the three and a half year battle to stop the Traveston Crossing Dam proposal on the Mary River have been recognized in the prestigious Sunshine Coast Environment Awards.

Organisers of the annual environment awards, the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, recognized the dedication to the environment and marked it with three special awards.

The Greater Mary Association and Save the Mary River Coordinating Group each received an award at the Kawana ceremony on Friday night, as did photographer and graphic artist Arkin Mackay.

Elisabeth Berry and Tanzi Smith flew the Fraser Coast flag when they collected an award on behalf of the GMA. In accepting the award on behalf of Save the Mary President Glenda Pickersgill, fellow campaigner Ian Mackay paid tribute to the “whole of community” response that collectively fought to overturn the proposal.

“Save the Mary had the support of a wide range of individuals and groups in this campaign,” Mr Mackay said, particularly singling out the wonderfully informed work of the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee whose Chairman Phil Moran was present on the award night.

“There were times along the campaign trail that a snowflake in hell would have been given better odds than us beating the dam,” Mr Mackay said, “but the Mary River had to be saved and the battle would have gone on until that outcome was achieved.”

Compere for the awards night, local ABC identity John Stokes, concurred somewhat ruefully with the ‘snowflake in hell’ comment, in that some twelve months back, he’d feared that the dam proposal was too far down the track to be stopped, and added that he’d walk backwards to Kandanga if Peter Garrett said “no” to it. True to his word, John’s walk, along with fellow announcer Cam Young, will take place on December 12 and will end at the Save the Mary "Victory Celebrations" in Kandanga held from 3pm-10pm at the Kandanga Recreation grounds.

In receiving the GMA award, Vice President Tanzi Smith recognized the dedication of a whole different community downstream of proposed dam site, from Tiaro to Hervey Bay. Her group had formed out of claims that the dam would have “minimal downstream impacts” and was instrumental in state Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara losing his seat over the issue at the last state election.

SMRCG president Glenda Pickersgill said that everyone involved in the fight against the dam should be very proud of what they had achieved and these awards helped to recognise that.

“Of course we await Federal Environment minister Peter Garrett’s formal decision on the 2nd December but the “no” that he foreshadowed on Remembrance Day, followed by the Premier’s announcement that the state government wouldn’t appeal that decision, gives us grounds for more than cautious optimism,” Ms Pickersgill said.

“There’s a lot of healing still to happen but this community has shown itself to be both resilient and committed, and is more than eager to be involved in the way ahead, “ she said.

'The community deserves to have a voice in our future vision for the Mary Valley and we urge Ms Bligh to listen and to support us in our way forward."

Coast Savours Dam Victory
Fraser Coast Chronicle
Carlie Walker | 23rd November 2009

IT WAS a fight that transcended the boundaries of politics – and that was never more evident than on Saturday in Maryborough’s Queens Park when those who had fought the good fight against the Traveston Crossing Dam came together to celebrate their victory.

From Independent Maryborough MP Chris Foley to Hervey Bay MP Ted Sorensen – and several in the crowd who counted themselves as Labor voters but still fought against the dam – it was clear that the fight against the dam had little to do with a particular political persuasion.

Several of the most committed in the fight against the dam, including Daryl Stewart, Glenda Pickersgill and Tanzi Smith, spoke of the emotions they felt when the decision was delivered on the dam by federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett, describing themselves as “stunned” and “overjoyed”.

Several Fraser Coast politicians also spoke, including the federal Minister for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, who spoke of his reaction after he heard that Mr Garrett had canned the dam.

Mr Truss said that five minutes after the decision was made he was contacted by the press and, as he had known a decision was due to be made, he already had two press releases prepared – one for a decision to go ahead with the dam and one in case Mr Garrett decided to veto the dam.

“It was a beauty,” Mr Truss said wryly of the response to be released if the dam was given the tick of approval.

“But I was pleased I didn’t have to use it.”

Mr Truss spoke of seeing Mr Garrett shortly before he made his decision on the dam and said there were no hints prior to his announcing the decision.

“There was no body language – I feared the worst.”

Mr Truss said the decision to stop the dam was the only result that science could support.

“Anna Bligh needs to make peace with the Mary Valley and quickly.”

Mr Sorensen spoke of sharing Mr Garrett’s announcement of his decision with Gympie MP David Gibson.

He said it was clear from the morning session of parliament that Queensland Premier Anna Bligh had no idea the dam would be vetoed by Mr Garrett.

“In parliament that morning she spoke, telling everyone about how important it was to build the Traveston dam.”

Mr Foley brought some light relief to the event, saying he had seen Ms Bligh after the decision was made with “steam coming out of her ears”.

Mr Foley told the group to savour their victory and to be mindful of how close the community had come to losing its river and their livelihoods.

Fights Not Over!
Fraser Coast Chronicle Monday, November 23
Carlie Walker
Photo: Alistair Brightman

THE fight to stop the Traveston Crossing Dam on the Mary River may have been won but the fight to save the Mary isn’t over.

Saturday was a day for celebration for those who had fought tirelessly against the Traveston dam but it was also a day to recognise that much work still needed to be done if the Mary River was to be restored to her former glory.

Glenda Pickersgill also spoke of federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett’s decision to veto the dam because of the environmental damage it would do to the river’s endangered species, including the Mary River cod, turtle and the lungfish.

She said, however, Mr Garrett had approved other conditions that would have seen the dam go ahead, such as the impact on migratory species and the dam’s impact on Fraser Island, and that it was imperative the problems surrounding these issues were made clear.

Ms Pickersgill was also concerned the people of the Mary Valley were supported as they got their lives back together after three years of uncertainty.

“We need to make sure their lives get back to normal as quickly as possible.”

“We still have a lot to do.”

But, although there was a serious side to the day, it was also a day of celebration and Ms Pickersgill said that people power had won the day.

“It has been such a wonderful week,” she said.

“It’s been hard to wipe the smile off my face.”

Tanzi Smith, who played a key role in stopping the dam, said the community should be proud of what it had achieved.

“It really has been the whole community that has made this happen.”

Daryl Stewart, chairman of the Greater Mary Association, said there was still work to be done to make the Mary River a “healthy river”.

Gene Merrill, who has lived by the Mary River for several years, agreed, saying the Mary River is a “very sick river” but that with work and commitment a lot of improvements could be made.

Laurie Wilson, who lives at Big Tuan near the Great Sandy Strait and attended every Greater Mary Association meeting with his wife Betty, said he fought the dam because it would have decimated fish stocks around the Strait.

He said that although Mr Garrett hadn’t found the dam would cause damage to the Strait, he and his wife were prepared to fight the decision if it were necessary.

“We’ll have to see what Garrett’s final appraisal says,” he said, “and if necessary we’ll keep up the fight.”

** MEDIA RELEASE **
Save the Mary River Coordinating Group


Traveston Letters Pass 30 000 Mark

Letters to state and federal politicians expressing opposition to the controversial Traveston Crossing Dam proposal and sent through the Save the Mary Info Centre have passed the 30 000 mark this week but the real total is far greater.

Save the Mary River Coordinating Group president, Glenda Pickersgill concedes the final total may never be known as many people have advised they have sent letters independently.

“The letters have been sent to several key politicians, including the Prime Minister, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and the State Sustainability Minister Kate Jones,” she said, “but by far the greatest number has been to federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett.”

According to Ms Pickersgill, the volume of letters and the addresses of those who have signed them indicate the weight of public opinion against the proposal.

“We have always known that the campaign has local backing. This was made even clearer by a poll conducted by Warren Truss federal MP in July this year which found that 88% of people in his electorate of Wide Bay are opposed to the proposed dam.”

“Our support is not only local. The large number of Brisbane addresses on these letters shows the extent to which people in Anna Bligh’s backyard disapprove of this project,” said Ms Pickersgill.

“This support in Brisbane was confirmed in August this year when an independent random survey by Griffith University found that 59% of people in Brisbane City are opposed to the proposed dam."

As well as the letters collected by the Save the Mary River Info Centre, the Greater Mary Association, based in Maryborough and Hervey Bay has collected thousands more letters and several earlier postcard campaigns resulted in almost 100,000 cards being mailed directly to state and federal ministers and backbenchers.

“Combined with the more than 16 000 submissions to the dam’s Environmental Impact Statement, these 30,000 plus letters and the poll results would have to go down as something of a record and clearly demonstrate where public opinion lies on this issue,” she said.

“And when you throw in the number of state seats the government has lost over this proposal, most significantly the Sustainability Ministers’ seat in Hervey Bay, it’s plain the proposal has had over three and a half years of public scrutiny and people are convinced that there are vastly better alternatives for a reliable water supply.”

“As well as relying on the scientific advice from his Department, Minister Garrett can take public opinion into account,” said Ms Pickersgill.

“The science shows there is a high risk of irreversible impact to the environment and we have confidence in his department to recognize this. ”

“We urge that the federal government take the lead and encourage Queensland to provide reliable, sustainable water supplies that do not destroy our rivers in line with the ALPs new election platform on water and biodiversity.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Glenda Pickersgill (Save the Mary River Coordinating Group) 041 144 3589
David Kreutz (Save the Mary River Coordinating Group) 043 268 3147
Darryl Stewart (Greater Mary Association) 041 877 1655


BACKGROUND

At the ALP convention in June this year, the Federal ALP decided on a new National Platform. Chapter 9: ‘Tackling climate change and our environmental challenges” (available at
http://www.alp.org.au/download/national_platform_chapter_9.pdf) describes ALP policy on issues such as water security, biodiversity and involvement of farmers in conservation. A small selection of relevant excerpts are provided below in italics with corresponding actions by the Queensland ALP associated with the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam which contradict the Federal platform.

"Labor sees an expanded role for the agriculture sector in meeting major environmental challenges such as soil degradation, salinity, chemical use, water conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, river rehabilitation, feral animal and noxious weed control, and the loss of biodiversity. Labor acknowledges the considerable progress made by farmers in these areas."

Anna Bligh does not acknowledge the great progress in conservation by farmers in the Mary River catchment, but instead blames farmers alone for the vulnerability of the Mary River ecosystem and plans to flood and lock up farming land if Traveston goes ahead.

"Labor will also provide assistance for Australian households to adopt water saving and water
efficiency measures in their homes and businesses, including through rebates for households to
install rainwater tanks or greywater systems."

Anna Bligh axed the rebate scheme, 6 months earlier than planned on 31 December 2008 despite the high demand for the program and obvious opportunities for future water saving.

"Labor recognises that climate change means we need to use water more wisely in our cities, at the same time as diversifying our water supplies so that we reduce our reliance on rainfall."
Anna Bligh is investing billions (almost one third of their current investment in the water grid) in 100% rainfall dependent options and discouraging saving by withdrawing the rebate scheme.

"Labor is committed to ensuring proper management and protection of our wetlands and will
promote and honour Australia's obligations under the Ramsar Convention. "

Whereas Anna Bligh's government hasn't even prepared a management plan for the Great Sandy Ramsar and continues to ignore impacts the proposed dam will have on this internationally significant wetland.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd talks to Greater Mary Association research co-ordinator Tanzi Smith outside Hervey Bay Hospital yesterday. Alistair Brightman

Appealing to PM’s conscience

Fraser Coast Chronicle - Jennifer Chapman 4th November 2009

FLEETING it may have been but anti-Traveston dam protesters believe their meet and greet with Kevin Rudd at the entrance to Hervey Bay Hospital can still have a lasting effect.

Every time the Prime Minister sips his morning coffee from the I Love Mary mug he was presented with yesterday, he may just be reminded of the Traveston dam controversy.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has until November 18 to make a final decision on the $1.8 billion dam and protesters were not shy in their last gasp efforts to influence Mr Garrett’s boss yesterday.

Mr Rudd may also think long and hard about the potential effects the plan could have in his home state whenever he picks up his new No Dam pen.

And his memories of swimming in the Mary River may even be jogged every time he glances at his new Mary River book.

As Mr Rudd climbed out of his car yesterday morning he by-passed the hospital entrance to introduce himself to dam campaigners wearing their signature t-shirts and holding familiar Don’t Murray Our Mary placards.

Mr Rudd shook the hands of every protester before accepting the presents and giving slight hope with the words: “Don’t worry I’ve swum in the Mary I know it’s a beautiful place.”

Then he turned on his heels and strode through a scrum of journalists and photographers as the quiet voice of Greater Mary Association research co-ordinator Tanzi Smith trailed behind.

But despite Ms Smith’s words not getting the attention she desired, the protest was still deemed successful.

“I think it was a good gesture that he came over and met everybody and he has said in the media before that he knows that this is a big issue,” Ms Smith said.

“We’re here to remind him that the Fraser Coast cares about this issue as well and will be affected (and) to reiterate the dam won’t increase Brisbane’s water security and the Federal Government’s own policies on water would be much more sustainable.”

She said the group viewed Mr Rudd’s role as capable of influencing Queensland Premier Anna Bligh in adopting other methods for water security.

Letter to Garrett

WITH just two weeks to go before Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett makes his decision on the proposed Traveston Crossing dam, Hervey Bay MP Ted Sorensen has written to the Labor member.

“I have asked Peter to consider in his deliberations on Traveston what construction this dam may have on the Great Sandy Strait Biosphere and Marine Park.

“The Sandy Strait is classified as a Ramsar Wetland; Ramsar Wetlands are rare or unique wetlands and are important for conserving biological diversity.

"After the devastating effect years of neglect, water damming, irrigation and abuse has had on the Murray River and wetlands, how is the Traveston dam going to affect the biodiversity and sustainability of the Great Sandy Strait?”

Mr Sorensen has asked Mr Garrett to carefully consider the preservation of genetic resources, ecosystems and landscapes and to look at the scientific research into the dam.