26 C
Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Dunoon Dam

Latest News

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Other News

Bruns-Billinudgel RSL marches on

Though recently the membership of the Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL sub-Branch has grown, the numbers are still very low and if there is not a continual increase, this chapter faces closing.

Superbowls

Superbowls is your go-to spot for a burst of woodfired flavour! Nestled in Byron Arts and Industry Estate, the...

Safety and preparation saves lives on the water

A large number of boaters are expected to hit the water over the Easter long weekend and Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to be prepared and log on to the Marine Rescue NSW app.

Floodplains

We need a serious talk about development on floodplains with more creativity and sophistication. The recent discussion about development...

Got a creative theatre idea?

Mullumbimby’s The Drill Hall Theatre Company (DHTC) is offering two creative development opportunities for local independent artists to develop new performance piece concepts.

Belongil Beach nude bathing

I am very concerned about the proposed revocation of legal clothing-optional beach use at Tyagarah. When I was last in...

Nan Nicholson, The Channon

Being a Rous County councillor must be a hard job. The workload of reading reports must be enormous and keeping communities informed must be exhausting. I am convinced that all eight councillors do their utmost to serve their community in the best way they can. Otherwise they wouldn’t be there.

In view of that, I believe the decision on 21 July by five of the eight councillors to keep the Dunoon Dam off the table was exceptionally courageous.

They were faced with a well-funded campaign to gather signatures in favour of more studies on the Dunoon Dam, and the rejection of all permanent water sources apart from dams. These five councillors knew that this was the exact reverse of ‘all options on the table’ and would put their community at risk.

They noted the numerous water authorities who recommend that diverse water option are the only way to secure future water.  They noted that not a single report, study or speaker advocated the concentration of water supplies in a single source.

They stuck to their previous no-dam decision because the weight of evidence that had influenced them the first time had not changed.

Moreover, they stood up for the Widjabul Wia-bal people, whose clearly expressed wishes have been so notably excluded from every pro-dam letter, article or speaker.

It is not the job of the councillors to put aside their own carefully considered views and vote in accordance with the views expressed in a petition. Bowing to this kind of pressure would be irresponsible and would lead to decisions being dictated by whoever could fund the biggest campaign. 

These councillors have the admiration of many because they did their job – they looked after their community. They knew that they could lose votes in their re-election bids but they followed the accepted science, the water experts and their consciences. For that they deserve our respect.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

1 COMMENT

  1. What a great, well considered letter. Despite people supporting the dam saying the petition is what 10000 submissions then they are pretty shallow submissions. Good for you to point this out.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.