The capacity of Paradise Dam is now at 55 percent and Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the devastation caused by the water reduction is already crushingly apparent.
Mr Bennett said he visited the dam yesterday and witnessed first-hand the appalling environmental impacts and serious safety issues that have emerged.
“There are real concerns on the ground about the lungfish, the turtles and the platypus, and the government cannot continue to ignore them,” he said.
“Just yesterday I saw a number of dried out Jewfish nests and heard of tragic reports of deceased turtles being discovered on the banks.
“Weeds where shrimp live on the sides of the banks have dried, which was a food supply for the fish.
“What is of extreme concern is the effects the lowering of the water level is having on a group of platypus that live there.
“I’ve been told that a hole in which the platypus used to live in is now far above the water line.
“The environmental impacts on the flora and fauna is great and I have written to the Minister for Environment asking what they are doing to protect the flora and fauna that live in Paradise Dam.
“We have also asked to be shown the environmental impact assessment that was completed at the dam in relation to the lowering of the water level.
“With the water releases set to continue, I fear the grave impact it will have on these animals and organisms.”
The Burnett MP said he’s also concerned about the safety issues that have emerged, with four boats damaged at the dam over the weekend.
“The water level has now dropped to a point where it has rendered the current boat ramp inoperative,” he said.
“This is of real concern, as four boats were badly damaged on the weekend when they hit unknown rocks that have become exposed.
“As an urgent temporary measure, the Caravan Park Manager has investigated and established a new temporary boat launching site on the dam’s banks.
“We desperately need the Minister for Transport to arrange some emergency mapping and navigational safety markers so no more boats sustain damage and no one is hurt.”
Mr Bennett said it was also devastating to see the water rushing through the gates at the Ben Anderson Weir yesterday.
“It’s extremely difficult to watch this valuable resource be lost at sea in the middle of a drought and still have no tangible reason why.
“The release of this water should cease immediately until we see a full Parliamentary inquiry.
“This disastrous decision made by a city-centric government just shows their complete contempt for the regions and the bush.”
29/10/19