***MEDIA RELEASE***

5,000 Strong Petition Urges Garrett Action on Traveston Crossing Dam Travesty

A petition with 5,393 signatures calling on Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett to thoroughly investigate the environmental impacts of the Bligh Labor Government’s proposed Traveston Dam in south east Queensland will tonight be tabled in Federal Parliament by Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss.

The petition asks Mr Garrett to carry out an independent investigation of the optimal environmental flows needed to ensure that the ecosystems and fisheries of the Great Sandy Strait, Mary River estuary and Hervey Bay do not fall victim to excess water extraction from the Mary River associated with the proposed Traveston Crossing dam.

“I welcome the opportunity to support the environment and the community in their opposition to the Traveston Crossing dam,” Mr Hunt said.

“When I visited the site of the proposed dam last year with Warren Truss, I was impressed by the convincing research that showed the devastating environmental impacts the dam would have, should it be approved.

“It was clear that Anna Bligh was intent on creating a massive evaporation pond over some of Queensland’s best farming land.”

Mr Hunt said the fate of the dam will rest with Mr Garrett, who will make a final decision on the project under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

“The Labor Party had cynically put plans for the dam on hold just prior to the Queensland election. Peter Garrett must not be complicit in this act of deception. If he examines the science and considers the research that I have seen, he will agree the dam would be a disaster, and must make his decision accordingly.”

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss said the signatures reflect the community’s deep concern about the environmental destruction that would be inflicted on the entire Mary Valley and the RAMSAR listed Great Sandy Straits should the dam be allowed to proceed.

“Research demonstrates that there are no strategies that can prevent the devastation that would be wreaked upon the endangered Mary River Cod, Mary River Turtle, Giant Barred Frog and the vulnerable Queensland Lungfish should the dam be granted approval by Mr Garrett.

“Brisbane’s water crisis is of Anna Bligh’s creation, and in spite of Anna Bligh’s recent spin and hysteria, there are better and cheaper alternatives available to supply water to Brisbane, which make the Traveston Crossing dam unnecessary.

“Peter Garrett must not allow the Mary Valley and Great Sandy Straits to be sacrificed by the Bligh Labor Government.

“Peter Garrett must stand up to Labor’s machine and stand up for the environment.”

Media contacts: John Deller (Mr Hunt’s office) on 0400 496 596 or 03 5979 3188

Simon Kelly (Mr Truss’ office) on 0418 824 779