Dungog Council votes against Mayor and Tillegra proposal

Commenting on the 6 to 2 vote at last night's meeting and the subsequent vote reaffirming Council's opposition to the $477 million dam, Dr Kaye said: "This is another body blow to the Tillegra proposal.

"Councillor Wall's attempts to run political cover for the Keneally government's dam have left him isolated and exposed.

"He has little choice but to step down. If he remains in office he will end his term as a lame duck mayor with no authority.

"Councillor Wall is paying the price for defying community opposition to the dam.

"Labor MP for Newcastle and enthusiastic Tillegra promoter Jodi McKay should pay careful attention to Mayor Wall's fate.

"The Keneally government has relied on Glenn Wall's defiance of Council's October 2009 resolution against Tillegra to perpetuate the myth that the local Dungog community was largely in support of the $477 million.

"Their cover is now gone.

"Tillegra is opposed throughout the Hunter, including in the community that was supposed to be welcoming the massive dam.

"Councillor Wall and his small group of Tillegra boosters have failed in their attempt to convince the community that short-lived construction jobs would compensate for the loss of on-going employment in agriculture.

"Council's vote reflects the overwhelming concern that Tillegra will not only damage the local environment but would also undermine the region's economic future.

"Jodi McKay should take the very clear message coming from Dungog Council back to state Cabinet. They should think again about their support for the dam that very few people want," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455