tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post7807064074732918633..comments2024-01-20T10:32:53.309+10:00Comments on CairnsBlog.net: Today's water decision of enormous importanceMichael P Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02890121680113642715noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-7152358881170646242009-04-27T06:49:00.000+10:002009-04-27T06:49:00.000+10:00Mulgrave Landcare have a vital interest in the Mul...Mulgrave Landcare have a vital interest in the Mulgrave Aquifer issues that came to the fore earlier this month. We have been involved in serious review of the document used by Cairns Water to justify its recommendations that the Mulgrave Aquifer can be utilized with negligible environmental impact. Our detailed review of the draft document, the "Mulgrave River Aquifer Feasibility Study -Public Environment Report" (the only one available to the public and still the subject of a mandatory Federal process under the EPBC Act), backed up by independent scientific advice, is that the quality of that report is so poor that few of the conclusions and recommendations made by it can be accepted. We have particular concerns for Behana Creek. A predicted 0.5m drawdown caused by aquifer harvesting, could possible see this very high biodiversity stream run dry for the first time in living history. Though we have sent a detailed submission to Council & been allowed a meagre 15 minute opportunity to state our case re: the 300+ page report, council have not sought discussion with us, or anyone else not aligned with CRC, to gain a balanced view. Instead they have a cloistered feedback loop where the Council asks questions of itself and a paid consultant on the merits of work undertaken by itself and that paid consultant. Given the Mayor's personal opinion that the proffered science is "strong & compelling" and the Council's lack of will in seeking quality information on such a major undertaking, those with an interest in the environmental integrity of individual councillors and the council as a unit, should be very concerned.<br />Our opinion is that the Mulgrave Aquifer option has been largely selected on a "least cost" basis - the proposed primary bore field in the Behana sub-catchment just happens to be adjacent to the existing Behana surface-water offtake pipe that runs to Cairns. The rate payers of Cairns however should note that money spent on developing the project may be wasted if forthcoming rigorous review of the information, or later actual pumping of groundwater, reveal serious environmental impacts. Such financial waste and environmental impact will have upon them the names of the seven Councillors who voted in favour of this proposal.<br /><br />Graham Wienert<br />Secretary<br />Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment GroupMulgrave Landcarenoreply@blogger.com