Tuesday 4 February, 2020
The LNP strongly opposes the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s decision to begin tearing down the Paradise Dam without public consultation or Parliamentary scrutiny.
Labor today moved amendments in Parliament that will allow them to commence demolition of the dam without obtaining any of the usual council or environmental approvals – sweeping aside 17 separate pieces of legislation.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government gave no notice of this decision, has carried out no consultation and has given no explanation for it,” LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said.
“Labor is treating the people of Wide Bay with complete contempt, as they have done throughout the whole Paradise Dam saga.
“This decision will have huge repercussions for jobs and locals deserve the truth.
“Labor is more interested in protecting itself than protecting the community and jobs.”
LNP Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said: “It’s unacceptable that Labor only has a plan to tear down the dam and no plan to fix it.
“Labor’s handling of Paradise Dam has been a kick in the guts for our economy.”
LNP Member for Bundaberg David Batt said: “This raises serious questions about what Labor knew and when.
“Given Labor has known about these safety issues since 2015, why is Labor ramming this through now?
“Building Queensland is about to hand down its report on the dam.
“We should be able to see that report before Labor starts tearing down this dam.
LNP Member for Callide Colin Boyce added: “This is an act of monumental Labor arrogance.
“Labor is rushing to pull down Paradise Dam right after it dumped thousands of litres from the dam into the ocean in the middle of a drought.”
