Dam development: formal concerns count, ‘shouting’ doesn’t

John Sharples, Sharples Environmental Services:

With reference to the article and letter regarding the proposed development at the Garden Route Dam (George Herald,

30 July).

We would encourage all interested and affected parties to thoroughly read the reports on the project. More than 1 000 hours of professional time has been spent on developing the proposal and writing reports.

Unfortunately due to the complex nature of approvals and authorisations a cursory look at the documents and reports will not give one the whole picture.

Much has been written in the documents and reports about the serious attempt to ensure the area remains not only an asset to the whole population of George but also becomes a more formalised area for recreation and relaxation. We are concerned that there seems to be a notion that the EIA process can be influenced by voting either yes or no.

This is not the case. The EIA process is looking for issues of concern so that these can be addressed. Only formally submitted comments and concerns can be addressed, while informal "votes" have no real value in determining the impacts of the development proposal.

We are concerned that the opportunities to add value to the process are going to be lost. The social and economic benefits of a University / College precinct are huge and will benefit the whole population of George. Likewise the environment needs to be protected. The residents of George as a whole need to take ownership of open spaces and support the municipality in keeping them safe and clean and usable. This is an opportunity to get involved in the legislative processes but it is imperative that I&APS read through the reports, understand the proposals and raise issues of concern which can be addressed. Shouting loudly, voting yes or no and spreading fake news is not going to have any impact on the legislative processes. (Time to comment on the development closes on 21 August.)