Protect the Williams River - Forum Fever!

Robyn Parker, MLC and Dr John Kaye, MLC speak of their opposition to Tillegra Dam at a forum in Newcastle, NSW. Photo: Naomi Hogan

The protection of the Williams River has taken the political limelight across the NSW Hunter region, with residents demanding answers from their state political representatives.

The ‘Is the Williams River Dammed?’ community forum packed Newcastle’s City Hall last month, bringing together community speakers, scientists and politicians to discuss the unnecessary Tillegra Dam proposal.

Liberal and Green representatives Robyn Parker, MLC and Dr John Kaye, MLC indicated their definitive opposition to the dam, and fully supported the development of a sustainable urban water strategy with genuine public engagement for the Hunter.

Independent candidate and Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate also supported the water resource planning process and improved water demand management.

Member for Newcastle and Minister for the Hunter, Jodi McKay, was the only invited political figure who failed to provide representation.

The Wilderness Society along with other members of the Save the Williams River Coalition teamed up to make the night a huge success.

The consistent message from community speakers was that the Commonwealth Government must assess the Tillegra Dam proposal rigorously. It is believed that such an assessment would expose the huge ecological threats to the Ramsar listed Hunter Estuary Wetlands, a site of national environmental significance.

The Wilderness Society has identified Tillegra Dam as a national issue requiring a commitment of responsible environmental policy by all the main parties in the lead up to the federal election.

As such, the Wilderness Society Newcastle is hosting a forum to include federal candidates for the seat of Paterson – the electorate where the dam is proposed. This forum, ‘Will the next Federal Government protect the Williams River?’ is taking place at 6pm, Tuesday 17 August at Maitland Town Hall, Maitland, NSW.