Queensland's attempt to build what it calls "Australia's greenest dam", is about to be put to the test. Green groups and local residents have long argued the project would result in serious environmental damage and one particular issue we are focussing on is the plight of the Australian lungfish.

ABC 7.30 Report from 5 October 2009 provided an opportunity for community , government and scientists to present their views. The only existing fishway in the world that's been designed for the lungfish is at Paradise Dam, and so far, that's failed to work effectively. Why would Traveston be any different? Burnett Water, the dam operator,applied to have the case adjourned - It will recommence Monday 9 November 2009.

Part of the transcript appears below from http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/ where you can also watch a video of the program.

STIRLING HINCHLIFFE: Well, I'm not wanting to comment on the issues surrounding the Paradise Dam. That's the subject of a legal matter at the moment, as you'd be aware. But fishways aren't bought off the shelf. They need to be responsive to the conditions and the circumstances of each individual dam.

PETER MCCUTCHEON: The Traveston Crossing Dam's environmental impact statement (EIS) clearly states the fishway will be based on the technology operating at Paradise Dam. But Queensland's Infrastructure Minister Stirling Hinchliffe insists the controversy over Paradise Dam won't affect Traveston's chances of gaining environmental approval.

STIRLING HINCHLIFFE: In the end, this is about a project that contains and includes an operating and working fishway. Whatever the design of that may end up being, built upon and based upon experience that we've had in the past.

PETER MCCUTCHEON: The residents of the Mary Valley expect to find out by the end of the year whether their neighbourhood will be flooded, and doubts over the protection of the lungfish give them some hope of a reprieve.

DAVID KREUTZ: Peter Beattie said if it didn't stack up environmentally, he wouldn't build the dam. Anna Bligh has said if it doesn't stack up environmentally, they won't build the dam. So the idea here is that the science should prove, before you approve.

JEAN JOSS, LUNGFISH EXPERT is adamant that a dam on the Mary River will result in lungfish not reproducing. With no recruitment, the  lungfish will eventually be dead.

Request to Minister Peter Garrett
Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Council - WBBCC - and other conservation groups have requested that Minister Garrett confirm that he will not change the conditions until the case is heard and judgement given. WBBCC considers that that the most appropriate action is for the Court case to run its course based on the existing conditions.
This is a major public interest test case and you can be part of it! If you'd like to donate tax deductible funds to help Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Council with this case, contact Emma-Kate Currie at the Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Council at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call 4123 3361