Michael Mansell, ABC pic
The Tasmanian Government has approved the construction of a dam in the Coal River Valley, despite aboriginal relics being found in the area.
The Heritage Minister, Brian Wightman, today announced a permit had been approved for Southern Water to build the Duckhole Dam near Richmond.
The federally-funded dam aims to drought proof the Coal River Valley by using recycled water.
But Michael Mansell from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre is accusing the government of vandalism.
“It just seems to me there’s that culture that aboriginal heritage is not that important, or there is an indifference toward it wherever there is some sort of development in conflict with aboriginal heritage,” said Mr Mansell.
Mr Mansell says the area is a gateway to surrounding heritage sites.
“What they’re saying is when you dig, and you dig the dam, anything you come across just destroy just shove it out of the way and just get on with the next project,” he said.
Hon. TONY MULDER
MLC FOR RUMNEY
Finally – Duckhole Dam a Reality
The member for Rumney, Tony Mulder congratulated The Heritage Minister, Brian Wightman today for finally approving the permit for Southern Water to build the Duckhole Dam near Richmond.
“This project is crucial to the ongoing viability of the Coal River Valley region and I congratulate and thank the Minister on behalf of my many constituents who have lobbied the Government for this outcome,” Mr. Mulder said.
“It should not have taken the toil of local farmers and a series of questions from me in the Legislative Council pointing out the benefits of the scheme to halt the galloping inertia of this Minister”
‘These types of delays have become symptomatic of the Giddings Government and one can only hope that David O’Byrne as Premier can stop the rot,” Mr. Mulder said.
‘Concerns that Aboriginal heritage is not being respected and addressed are plainly wrong as Southern water have clearly indicated that they have developed a cultural heritage plan that will be strictly adhered to during the construction phase. As the local Member representing the end users of this project, I for one, will hold them to that commitment,” Mr. Mulder said.
