Gin Gin water woes
THE debate surrounding the controversial heightened weir proposal at Gin Gin near Trangie is heating up with a planned public meeting set down for Dubbo on June 23.
Healthy Rivers Dubbo convenor Mel Gray told Dubbo Photo News that Professor Richard Kingsford will join an impressive line-up of speakers at the public meeting, sparked by widespread community concern about the proposed Gin Gin re-regulating dam on the Macquarie River.
“Professor Kingsford’s expertise covers river ecology, water use in Australia, wetland ecology, waterbirds, river policy, and dam building affect,” Ms Gray said.
“The Gin Gin dam would be a massive $84 million subsidy to the irrigated cotton industry. Downstream irrigators, graziers and businesses that cater to recreational fishing in the valley would all take a huge financial hit.
“There have been increasing calls for Dugald Saunders MP and the NSW Nationals to release the business case to the public once it is complete. What are they trying to hide?”
The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 23 from 6.30pm at Dubbo’s Pastoral Hotel, with other speakers to include Tony Lees from the Trangie Aboriginal Land Council, grazier Garry Hall who’s a private Ramsar Wetland Manager and Inland Rivers Network president Bev Smiles.
Ms Gray says the dam proposal is expected to reduce water downstream for unregulated irrigation, and have a serious impact on populations of native fish.
“The public (is) encouraged to come along to the Pastoral Hotel with their questions about the impacts the proposal would have on the river, the marshes and all of the people and wildlife that rely on them.”
For further details about the event contact Mel Gray 0431 471 310 or email healthyriversdubbo@gmail.com