Will the next Federal Government protect the Williams River?

Media release
11 August 2010

Voters in the seat of Paterson will have an opportunity to quiz the candidates from the major political parties on protecting the Williams River and committing to rigorously assessing the Tillegra Dam proposal.

Candidates for the Federal seat of Paterson have been invited to present their positions on the controversial Tillegra Dam proposal at a Maitland Town Hall forum 6pm Tuesday, 17th August.

The Save the Williams River Coalition (SWRC) has organised this community forum following Federal candidates’ strong expressions of interest in speaking at the state based forum held in Newcastle in July.

“The Wilderness Society is pleased to be hosting this community forum. We have received confirmation from candidates for the major parties: current Liberal candidate and Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin, ALP candidate Jim Arneman and Greens candidate Jan Davis. Each will clearly indicate how they will represent their electorate on this controversial dam should they be elected” says Justin McKee, Campaigner for The Wilderness Society Newcastle.

“SWRC wants a commitment that the Commonwealth Government will assess the Tillegra Dam proposal rigorously, and expose the true environmental impact which should stop the dam in its tracks” says Bev Smiles, Hunter Environment Lobby Inc.

“Since the dam proposal was announced, thousands of people have made written submissions and signed petitions to various state and federal politicians expressing their opposition to this dam” says Bev Smiles.

“People want to hear a clear policy commitment from candidates in the lead up to the August 21 election and this is crucial for the protection of the Williams River” says Justin McKee. 

The forum ‘Will the next Federal Government protect the Williams River?’ will follow a strict format. Community representatives will first outline their perspective on the proposed dam and then candidates will have six minutes to answer three set questions.