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“We have lost so much in the Burragorang Valley already – raising the Warragamba Dam wall could destroy everything we have left.” That’s the belief of Wollondilly councillor Simon Landow. Cr Landow raised a motion at Monday’s council meeting to oppose the NSW government’s proposal to raise of the dam wall. Councillors unanimously supported the motion as they were concerned raising the wall would allow for much more development at the cost of the natural environment. Cr Landow said it was important to preserve the environment and indigenous heritage of the valley. “We had a presentation from the Gundungurra people about the valley,” he said. “They gave us the history of the site, showed us rock paintings and told us about what they lost when the dam was built in the first place. “If we can preserve this last piece then I think we should, especially considering there are other options available rather than raising the dam wall.” The Infrastructure NSW website states other options such as river diversion channels, dredging the Hawkesbury-Nepean River or voluntary house re-purchase in flood risk areas have been considered as alternatives to raising the wall. In June 2016, former premier Mike Baird suggested raising the dam wall as a way to mitigate flood in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley with the aim of protecting townships downstream, including Windsor, Richmond and parts of Penrith. Just last night, the NSW Senate supported the proposal however it still has to go through the House of Representatives. Cr Landow said more pressure needed to be placed on MP Jai Rowell and the candidates for the March 2019 state election. “Labor have already come out against the raising of the wall but they have not committed to repealing the proposal if it is approved,” he said. “People should be writing to Jai Rowell and to candidates in the upcoming election, like Nathaniel Smith and Jo-Ann Davidson, to voice their concerns about this.” The council will write to the NSW Premier condemning the recent amendment to the National Parks and Wildlife Act to allow the world heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park to be flooded with the raising of Warragamba Dam. Councillors will also consider allocating funds to a public education campaign about the potential impact on the Burragorang Valley if the dam wall is raised. NSW Labor and neighbouring councils will be asked to support this campaign. Cr Landow said more education was needed to clear up public misconceptions about the proposal. “I think a lot of people believe it will secure Sydney’s water supply, but that is not the case,” he said. “This is about flood mitigation and allowing development on a flood plain. “Minister for western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it himself – they want to put 130,000 homes on the flood plain.” Mayor Judith Hannan supported Cr Landow’s motion. “Although we understand the need for a flood strategy for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and recognise the motivation to protect the people and properties in this area, we do not support a solution that floods the Burragorang Valley,” she said. “We need to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage as well as the natural environment, plant and animal species. “Once we have damaged this heritage it can’t be replaced.”

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