Dungog Council move on Mayor for failure to represent on dam

Commenting on the no confidence motion in Councillor Wall to be moved this evening, Dr Kaye said: "Newcastle Labor MP Jodi McKay's public support for Councillor Wall is hardly surprising.

"The Mayor has been running political cover for a dam that is unpopular and damaging to the local community, economy and environment.

"At its October meeting last year Dungog Council voted that it could not support the proposed Tillegra dam project as detailed in Hunter Water’s EAR, and to call on the state government to review the social, economic and environmental costs and to commission an Upper House inquiry.

"Only Glenn Wall and one other councillor voted against this motion.

"The Mayor has failed in his duty to act on the substance and spirit of the council's resolution.

"Dungog is at risk of being foisted with a massive dam that is unwanted and will inflict untold damage on the local economy.

"The Keneally government is desperate to keep Glenn Wall in his key job to help them push ahead with Tillegra.

"Ms McKay's intervention is another example of her government's callous disregard for the local consequences of this dam. She does not speak for the people of Dungog or the Williams River Valley.

"It is time for the local council to be led by a mayor who stands up for jobs and the environment. If Cr Wall cannot or will not represent the people of Dungog Shire, he should stand aside.

"Tonight's vote is a chance for the councillors to put in place a Mayor who will provide it," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455