Smart dams plan sought

THE North Queensland Conservation Council has responded to Kennedy MP Bob Katter’s challenge for a public debate on the issue of dams, declining the offer but calling for a commonsense approach to dam development.

NQCC co-ordinator Crystal Falknau said it was the organisation’s mission to promote and protect the natural environment in North Queensland, and that included advocating for a sustainable approach to all development.

Ms Falknau said Mr Katter’s suggestion that members had “never set foot off a pavement” was misguided and the NQCC represented many of the MP’S constituents.

“Like you we have our region’s best interests at heart and are not influenced by metropolitan southerners,” she said.

“There are multiple dams proposed for the Burdekin River. If they were all approved before the Burdekin Basin Water Plan is reviewed, it could result in the vast allocation of available water, leading the Burdekin to become North Queensland’s MurrayDarling.

“To avoid this, we are asking for a basin-wide management approach, to ensure all proposals stack up when it comes to long-term economic and social benefits and environmental impacts.”