A community awareness day held out at Gin Gin across the weekend attempted to draw the Central West's attention to changes to the river ecosystem that could be brought about by a proposed $30 million 'super dam'.
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Organisers at Healthy Rivers Dubbo were joined by a crowd of over a hundred representatives from different community groups, activist organisations and other areas in order to examine the potential impacts.
Members of the Aboriginal community, floodplain graziers, irrigators, downstream water users and other interested community members from across Dubbo, Mudgee, Orange and elsewhere.
Tony Lees, a representative of the Trangie Aboriginal Land Council, said the day was held in good spirits and a strong turnout was welcome.
"We're really happy with the turn out, it exceeded my expectations," Mr Lees said.
"The day had a relaxed atmosphere, as we shared a BBQ and a chat, as families swam in the river and fished."
"It's a special place on the river that means a lot to the community."
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String markers were placed to denote where and how the water would rise under the proposed new development, something that Healthy Rivers Dubbo have previously argued would lead to nearly 32km worth of vegetation drowning due to the changes in water level, as well as other knock-on effects.
Mel Gray of Healthy Rivers Dubbo called the perceived impact 'startling'.
"The string lines really showed what the impact of the proposed super weir would be," Ms Gray said.
"Reading about the height of the gates is one thing, but to see with our own eyes how much damage would be done was a real shock."
Ms Gray went on to say that the strong turnout of the event was proof that community members wanted to see the government's business case for implementing the weir plan, stating that the concerns were clearly a 'hot issue' within the wider community.
Information sessions on the proposed weir changes were held by WaterNSW as recently as in mid September.