Rees govt told by own expert Tillegra not needed

The email and an attached memo were uncovered in Department of Environment, Climate Changes and Water papers produced on the order of the NSW Upper House from a motion by the Greens.

Dr Kaye said: "The government's case for building the dam has been cut down in flames by its own water expert.

"For thirteen months, Water Minister Phil Costa has been in possession of a detailed analysis by his own department that 100 per cent backs the public criticisms of the massive project.

"The Minister's senior water expert Ed Harris told the Minister that 'in essence the hydrologic analysis, climate forecasts and demand estimates are flawed'.

"He went on to say that the 'Dam proposal had not properly considered the alternatives' and that 'the site of the dam on the Williams River is not ideal from an environmental point of view'.

"For more than a year, the Rees government has chosen to ignore the stinging criticism and push on with a dam they had been told was unnecessary, expensive and damaging.

"Not only has the Minister dismissed the case against the dam mounted by  community and environment groups and independent experts.

"He has ignored expert advice coming from his own department.

"Premier Rees has no choice but to step in and order Minister Costa to abandon the project.

"The state government is forcing the people of the Hunter to pay for a dam that the Water Minister and his Department know is not needed and will inflict massive damage on the Williams River," Dr Kaye said.

For more information:    John Kaye 0407 195 455