In late February Planning Minister Craig Knowles gave approval to the construction of the side spillway for Warragamba Dam, a proposal which Confederation and environment groups have supported for some time. Provided that the tendering and construction of this project takes place according to schedule, i.e. well before next year’s State election, the dam raising option should be kept well and truly at bay for the foreseeable future.

If however no progress towards construction is made this year, the prospect of a new conservative Government reviving dam raising is a real possibility. I urge readers to write to Minister Knowles care of Parliament House, welcoming the decision but urging that the project is kept to schedule.