I read with interest a letter in the Saturday, July 11, edition of the Daily Liberal (Concerns About Dam) where the convenor of Healthy Rivers Dubbo, Mel Gray, spoke about concerns she has relating to a new regulating weir at Gin Gin.
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In her letter Ms Gray referred to me declining a second meeting with her to discuss the environmental impacts of the proposed project.
I have already met formally with Ms Gray in relation to the project, and I also discussed it with her for a lengthy period of time when our paths crossed at the rotunda markets in Dubbo recently.
She has also had an opportunity to meet with the Minister for Water, Property and Housing, The Hon Melinda Pavey, about water issues.
As a result of this, I am more than aware of Ms Gray's point of view when it comes to the Gin Gin Weir project. There seems to be no more information I can give her at this point in time, nor any change in her stance on the project.
However, I want to make it clear that community consultation by Water NSW is continuing in order to ensure all voices are heard.
The project proposes a new gated weir with a fishway to allow fish migration upstream and downstream, and will not reduce the environmental water allowances that currently exist in the Macquarie.
Despite what is being claimed in a bizarre advertising campaign that has been started up against me personally, this project will have a complete Environmental Impact Statement, which will fully assess any impacts of the weir and how they will be mitigated or prevented.
As we have seen through the drought, water is our most precious resource and it means different things to different people. It is important that we cater for everyone, whether they be recreational users, environmentalists or the irrigators who grow our food and fibre.
Dugald Saunders
Member for the Dubbo Electorate
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