[Greens-Media] Bob Brown - Garrett Asks for Urgent Inquiry into Mary River Dam Works

[Kelly, Russell (Sen B. Brown)]

			13 November 2008
			
				Garrett Asks for Urgent Inquiry into
Mary River Dam Works
				Environment Minister Peter Garrett has
ordered an urgent review of works being carried out at the Traveston Dam
site on the Mary River in Queensland, prompted by a question from
Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown.
				Senator Brown has raised concerns that
some 20,000m3 of dirt is being dug from the site where the dam is
planned, possibly without appropriate Federal approval. 
				Water Minister Penny Wong told the
Senate that Minister Garrett wanted to make sure that the works being
carried out by Queensland Water Infrastructure were not in breach
federal law.
				Minister Wong told the Senate this
afternoon: 
				"Minister Garrett is aware of the
concerns about the extent of investigative geotechnical works being
undertaken by Queensland Water Infrastructure and has asked the
department to urgently investigate the nature of the works proposed to
determine whether they can proceed without contravening the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act."
				Senator Brown said the urgent
investigation should also look at unresolved issues such as:

*	Did the Minister give approval for the so-called preparatory
work, which have been described as 'essential to the dam proceeding' and
therefore should be seen as part of the construction? 
*	Is it true that residents have been given until the end of the
month to vacate their land, without the Minister's knowledge?
*	Is the order to vacate land a breach of either an arrangement
with the Queensland Government or the relevant legislation? 
*	Is it possible for the Queensland Government to build a dam and
do everything except 'put the plug in' before the Minister takes action?
				Senator Brown said: "All works should
stop until Minister Garrett has considered the environmental impact of
the works."
				For further information, contact Russell
Kelly on 0438 376 082