Redman welcomes Ministers veto on Denmark and Styx dam

Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 03-November-2009

Blackwood-Stirling MLA, Terry Redman has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Water Resources, Graham Jacobs, to rule out damming the Denmark or Styx Rivers as part of drinking water supply plans for the lower great southern.

Mr Redman said, “I am delighted that Minister Jacobs has acted so decisively to rule out these river dam proposals and to put landowner’s and the wider community’s minds at rest on this issue.

“This has been a troubling period for landowners in the vicinity of the Denmark and Styx Rivers and I have no doubt that the Minister’s decision will come as an enormous relief to them.”

Mr Redman said whilst he would have preferred that the Bow River had also been ruled out of the equation, he was confident that it was ranked behind the desalination and groundwater options and could only figure as a last resort in long term planning.

“I cannot see any short or medium term role for the Bow dam proposal and I would expect all other avenues to be exhausted before any long term thought was given to that option,” Mr Redman said.

“It’s clear that the Water Corporation is working hard on water solutions for the region but it’s also clear that the handling of this issue has caused landowners and the community unnecessary heartache.

“There’s no doubt that lessons will have been learned and that Water Corporation will be keen to improve community liaison when progressing alternative water supply solutions.

“Minister Jacobs has been very responsive to the community’s objections and to the concerns I’ve raised with him as the local member, and I commend him for his timely intervention in this issue,” Mr Redman said.