New Dam West of Mount Byron in the Brisbane Valley?
Early in January BREC recieved a phone call from a bushwalker who had just been up the Mt Bryon Rd East of Somerset and Wivenhoe dams. They reported seeing a sign to do with perhaps to do resumptions of land by powerlink for a hydroelectric dam. BREC issued an alert to see if we could get some verification or clarifications about this dam proposal.
A copy of the BREC alert is included below.
A week or so later we got a reply from the Premiers Dept to our enquiries about the Mt Byron dam. I guess you could say its not really that reassuring... eg "there are currently no plans, at this stage, to build this facility"
A copy of the Premiers Department response is included below
This dam, if it proceeds, could potentially affect "Diana Bath" and other High Conservation areas.
BREC, Local groups and QCC are currently gathering more information.
BREC ALERT issued 23rd January 2004
New Secret Dam West of Mount Byron in the Brisbane Valley ?
BREC has recently been informed that signs have gone up on Mt Byron Rd in the Brisbane Valley notifying of land resumptions for a "hydroelectric" dam proposal. The notices are from Powerlink a government owned business corporation exempt from FOI or other scrutiny.
There has been to our knowledge no public consulation or EIS regrading this new dam proposal.
The proposed dam is situated in an area of high conservation value as well as farmland.
BREC will be investigating this bizarre and secretive proposal
What is Powerlink doing building dams ?
What consulation has been done ?
Will there be a full and public EIS ?
What is the need for such a project ?
The Premiers Department Replies 5th February 2004
At 10:10 AM +1000 05/02/2004, Premiers - SMTP wrote:
Subject:
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2004 10:10:36 +1000
Importance: normal
Priority: normal
Thread-Index: AcPrfHqp/ezem0XQQNea6RrxWWOBcA==
From: "Premiers - SMTP" <Premiers@ministerial.qld.gov.au>
To: <webink@powerup.com.au>
X-OriginalArrivalTime: 05 Feb 2004 00:10:36.0811 (UTC)
4 February 2004
Brisbane Region Environment Council
Email: <mailto:webink@powerup.com.au>webink@powerup.com.au
Dear Brisbane Region Environment Council
Thank you for your email of 23 January 2004 regarding a proposed new hydro-electric dam west of Mount Byron in the Brisbane Valley. The Premier has asked me to reply on his behalf.
The Office of the Hon Stephen Robertson, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines has advised that there are currently no plans, at this stage, to build this facility. If this facility were to eventually be built, all land potentially affected is owned by Powerlink, therefore no resumptions would be necessary.
I trust this information is of assistance to you. Again, thank you for taking the time to write to the Premier.
All the best.
Regards
Rob Whiddon
Chief of Staff
