Premier Anna Bligh welcomed Mr Jensen's eco-approval and the strict conditions to build the dam. She announced that Mr Jensen has come up with extensive new conditions under which he believed the dam could proceed.

"This decision comes after the most extensive environmental work on probably any project in our history. It has taken two years to get to this point," Ms Bligh said.

"The Coordinator-General has advised the Federal Government that he believes the dam can proceed with conditions.

"The Federal Minister should make a decision on the environmental issues surrounding the dam by November.

"If (Mr Garrett) gives approval, work on Traveston Dam will start in the New Year, supporting thousands of jobs in Queensland and providing water security for the region."

She said the conditions would make the dam the "greenest" in Australian history.

The new measures are unlikely to impress anti-dam campaigners, but the Premier said many species would become extinct if the dam did not go ahead.

From the community protesting damming the Mary River we get an explanation of the processes to be followed and the comment

After all, it's just a media statement from a couple of people not reknowned for their compassion or regard for their impact on other peoples lives.

To keep in touch go to http://www.savethemaryriver.com/

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