Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey MP, has stepped up the pressure on the State Government to reveal details of documents prepared prior to the commencement of the Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypassing Project (TRESBP).
Ms Stuckey has lodged a request seeking all contracts relating to the TRESBP including Environmental Monitoring Plans under the Freedom of Information Act.
“Recently I came into possession of comprehensive environmental reports from 1994, 1995 and 1997 conducted by Queensland and New South Wales governments, that made distinct recommendations to preserve Kirra Reef,” said Ms Stuckey.
“These reports stated the high conservation value of Kirra Reef and its associated flora and fauna warranted careful design and implementation of measures to protect this habitat.
In addition these reports noted the principal concern was the proximity of sand dumping and the possibility of smothering the habitat.
“Until we see a copy of the contract we don’t know if these key recommendations have been included or if they have been breached.
“It is disgraceful that both the State Governments of Queensland and New South Wales have sat on their hands for 8 years while millions of cubic metres of sand have smothered the reef and turned Kirra beach into a desert.
“I have raised this issue no less than 25 times in parliament since I was elected in 2004 but the silence was deafening.
“I congratulate Kirra Point Committee and Surfrider for their recent efforts to make politicians sit up and take notice of this environmental disaster that their governments have created through poor management and lack of community consultation.
“Relevant Ministers from QLD and NSW should have got together long before now. The damage has already occurred and something must be done immediately to rescue the reef and review the sand pumping contract.
“Ongoing secrecy surrounding the project is of a major concern and smacks of a cover-up. If the Government has nothing to hide then why is there no transparency and no accountability?
“Or is there an election in the wind and false promises are once again being made just as they were in 2006 about the Coyou/Devine development in the Currumbin Valley?”
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Media Contact: Jann Stuckey 0439 755 919