Silting up the future, but …

Tim Thorne Now We The People MR

Dr Leaman pointed out that the Meander Dam would exacerbate the current low flow of the South Esk into the Trevallyn Dam, not only increasing the levels of blue-green algae, but also making much more significant the amount of water to be drawn off for the proposed Tamar Valley pulp mill. As 70 per cent of the South Esk’s water comes from above Mathinna, the amount available for the pulp mill’s operation has been also severely reduced by forestry operations in the upper catchment. On the vexed question of siltation in the Tamar, Dr Leaman explained that the main cause of the problem was the high incidence of forestry practices in the North Esk catchment which are in breach of the Forestry Practices Code.
A MEETING at the Launceston Environment Centre on Sunday 2 March heard a talk by eminent Tasmanian hydrologist, Dr David Leaman, on “Water: Policy Needs and the Future”.

The meeting, which was organised by Now We the People, was attended by people from as far afield as Burnie and St Marys.

Dr Leaman pointed out that the Meander Dam would exacerbate the current low flow of the South Esk into the Trevallyn Dam, not only increasing the levels of blue-green algae, but also making much more significant the amount of water to be drawn off for the proposed Tamar Valley pulp mill.

As 70 per cent of the South Esk’s water comes from above Mathinna, the amount available for the pulp mill’s operation has been also severely reduced by forestry operations in the upper catchment.

On the vexed question of siltation in the Tamar, Dr Leaman explained that the main cause of the problem was the high incidence of forestry practices in the North Esk catchment which are in breach of the Forestry Practices Code.

Logging of slopes of over 30 degrees, incorrect windrow orientation and harvesting too close to streams are contributing to the release of thousands of tonnes of fine soil particles which end up in the Tamar Basin, not only making it unsightly and inconvenient for boating, but guaranteeing that the impact of any future flood on Launceston will be much greater.

Dredging, he said, while necessary in the short term, is an expensive option which will be needed in perpetuity unless the cause of the problem is addressed.

Now We the People will be circulating a booklet containing papers from this meeting and a similar one held in Hobart late last year to all State and Federal politicians in Tasmania, and to all elected Local Government representatives.

Tim Thorne
Publicity and Media Officer
Now We the People (Tas.)