We support the ongoing Byrrill Creek campaign: To find out more, please go to: www.byrrillcreek.com, or to: ‘The Battle for Byrrill Creek’ on facebook
Tweed Greens media release: Mr. George wrong on dam again Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Recent Greens State election candidate for Tweed, Andrea Vickers, has dismissed Lismore MP Thomas George’s recent statements that the proposed Byrrill Creek Dam was supported by a majority of residents. ‘As Mr Deputy Speaker has had the floor, (Tweed Valley Weekly, 19/6), it seems appropriate to offer some points in rebuttal,’ Ms Vickers said. ‘To claim the Labor Government ‘made a decision on a water sharing plan based on arguments put forward by one group’ is not true.’ ‘The truth is that the draft water sharing plan already prohibited a dam at Byrrill Creek, and this was based on expert advice, not the views of locals. Tweed Council, with three councillors out of seven pushing for the dam, requested in the public comment period that this prohibition be removed. The Save Byrrill Creek campaign, which drew broad support in Tweed and Kyogle shires, lobbied for it to be maintained. The government sided with the people.’ Many local community and environmental groups have made public statements or representations to Council on the issue.’
‘Seven thousand people signed the Save Byrrill Creek petition in just a few weeks. The vast majority were local residents who don’t want this special area flooded so we can double the already rapid rate of development in Tweed Shire. This was not ‘one isolated group’, it was the voice of a significant proportion of the community.’ ‘In stating “Certain groups simply used the environment to stop development”, Mr George showed he doesn’t understand that humans are actually part of the environment, and are dependent on healthy natural systems for our own survival.’ ‘Mr George may prefer to be called Thomas rather than The Hon. Mr George, but perhaps he would do better to seek to rise to the duty this title brings, and speak with more care on behalf of his constituents.’