Garrett guarantees rigorous assessment of Tillegra

Media Release
18th August 2010

The Wilderness Society has welcomed confirmation that the environmental impact of Tillegra Dam will be rigorously assessed by the Commonwealth Government under the EBPC Act should the dam be approved by NSW Department of Planning.

Federal Minister for Environmental Protection, the Hon Peter Garrett, has issued a statement indicating  he is committed to rigorously assessing the environmental impact of the Tillegra Dam proposal. Garrett will include consideration of new research by Professor Richard Kingsford, which details the damaging impacts Tillegra Dam would have on the RAMSAR listed Hunter Estuary Wetlands. 

In a forum held in Maitland Town Hall last night, the ALP, Greens and Liberal candidates for Paterson all spoke against the NSW Government’s handling of the Tillegra Dam planning process to date. All pledged to ensure a rigorous assessment occurred at a federal level and committed not to facilitate the dam including its funding.

“In a statement to the forum, Jim Arneman, Federal Labor candidate for Paterson said he will call for a comprehensive assessment of the Tillegra Dam’s potential environmental impact and presented copies of the supporting letter that notified Minister Garrett’s commitment” says Justin McKee, Campaigner for The Wilderness Society Newcastle.

If the Greens get the balance of power in the Senate, they are committed to tightening up the EPBC Act and ensuring the current flawed planning process is never repeated.

“Hunter residents are outraged by the issues surrounding the lack of community consultation, increased water bills, threats to the local fishing industry and the expected environmental destruction of the wetlands. Premier Keneally has not represented these concerns at a state level in her handling of the dam” says Justin McKee.