Fight to stop dam gaining momentum

Jennifer Chapman | 27th April 2009

Residents took to the river at the weekend to keep up the opposition to a Traveston Dam.

IT has been three years since former Queensland premier Peter Beattie announced plans for a Traveston Dam but still opposition is strong.

About 140 people gathered at Traveston Crossing yesterday to mark the anniversary.

But Greater Mary Association member Elisabeth Berry said it was about much more than that.

“It was a day not only celebrating the anniversary, it was celebrating our success.

“Such a big crowd proved that no one was giving up.”

Save The Mary's Glenda Pickersgill felt the same: “It was about celebrating the resilience of the community, celebrating how we've dug in our heels and are mounting a very strong case against the damming”.

A flotilla of canoes and kayaks made its way down the Mary River about midday.

They stopped at the proposed dam wall where they pointed out cod holes and turtle nesting beaches.

Then they headed toward the Traveston Crossing Bridge where everyone took part in a ritual of throwing seed pods into the water.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss also paid a visit.

“The real determination of the protesters was evident”, he said.

GMA and Save the Mary had planned a meeting for a couple of week's time where they would work on future strategies and determine their next move.

Currently the Traveston Dam had not received state or federal approval however governments were still gathering data.

“It would be nice to get a decision”, Ms Pickersgill said.

“Already we've won this fight on science; it just comes down to economics.”

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Fight to stop dam gaining momentum | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast