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Time for candidates to show their colours on Baffle Creek - 25/02/09
The Wilderness Society and Friends of Baffle Basin are jointly calling on all candidates in the upcoming state election to state their policies regarding the long term protection of Baffle Creek.
Almost one year ago to the day, news broke that the Queensland
Government was assessing the benefits of damming Baffle Creek to
provide water for Gladstone’s industrial growth. Anna Bligh reacted to
the news by stating that the Baffle would not be dammed during her time
as Premier.
Wilderness Society River Campaigner Rupert Quinlan
said “Given the Premier’s commitment to rule out damming Baffle Creek
only applies while she is Premier, it is essential that all the state’s
political parties once and for all remove the threat that has hung over
Baffle Creek for many years. It is important to remember that the
Baffle is one of a handful of river systems south of Rockhampton that
are not degraded by dams and weirs".
Over the last twelve months
local community groups, including Friends of Baffle Basin, have held
community action days, distributed petitions signed by thousands, and
personally met Water Minister and Premier demanding the Baffle be
permanently protected under legislation. Friends of Baffle Basin is
today writing to the local candidates seeking confirmation of their
policy for Baffle Creek.
“What the Baffle needs is permanent
protection under Queensland’s Wild Rivers Act following extensive
community consultation. Protection under the Act is a balanced,
sensible approach to river management, based on good science and
learning from past mistakes. Queensland cannot miss this opportunity to
ensure long-term protection for this much cherished river” concluded Mr
Quinlan.
