[Greens-Media] Expert warns Tillegra Dam gambles with estuary future

[John Kaye]

Expert warns Tillegra Dam gambles with estuary future
 
Media release: 25 October 2010
 
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke is under even more pressure to reject Tillegra Dam after the publication of a new study on salinity and water flows suggests that the $477 million project could undermine the ability of the Hunter estuary to support its existing bird and fish life and irrigation, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye. ('Labor MP questions motives of Tillegra dam', Sydney Morning Herald, 25 October, page 7, http://bit.ly/smh101025)
 
Dr Kaye said: "World-renowned wetlands expert Professor Richard Kingsford from the University of NSW used the state government's own salinity and water flow data to assess the impact of the plans for a massive dam on the wetlands.
 
"His analysis is another hole in the proposal. 
 
"His work shows that Hunter Water has understated the reductions in fresh water flows and the damage Tillegra would do to the internationally recognised wetlands.
 
"Federal Environment Tony Burke is required to protect the Hunter estuary environment. He cannot ignore the warnings from Professor Kingsford.
 
"Without a rigorous study of changes in freshwater flows, an approval would at best be a gamble on the future of this ecosystem and more likely a death sentence.
 
"Hunter Water's Environmental Assessment Report has been exposed yet again for understating the impacts of the dam.
 
"Hunter Water's transparent attempts to discredit Professor Kingsford are unlikely to be successful, given his international and national reputation as a rigorous and fiercely independent scientist . 
 
"The case for Tillegra is falling apart. Labor MP for Wallsend Sonia Hornery has questioned the need for the project. 
 
"Premier Kristina Keneally should abandon the dam and avoid the humiliation of both a caucus revolt and the project being rejected by the federal government," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000