The mammoth $1.6 billion project to raise the Warragamba Dam wall by 14 meters, which the NSW Treasurer previously deemed fiscally “unviable” and “difficult,” could be expedited.
Premier Dominic Perrottet designated the controversial flood mitigation project as essential state infrastructure on Wednesday, just as the catchment area is expected to receive a month’s worth of precipitation within the next week.
But Matt Kean, speaking as environment minister at a 2019 event before assuming the treasury job, stated there were ‘alternative ways’ to manage the danger of flooding along the Hawkesbury-Nepean river and the scheme would not’stand up’.
Mr. Kean stated, “Whether you agree with (raising the dam wall) or not, there are alternative ways to lessen the possibility for flooding along that river.”
I believe that the economics of raising the dam wall will render this project economically unfeasible.
By the time you compensate for the damage caused by the wall’s construction, the business case will no longer be viable.
Previously, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean (pictured) deemed his government’s plan to elevate the Warragamba Dam wall to be “unviable.”
Mr. Kean informed visitors that he wanted to be a ‘vigorous’ advocate for the environment, particularly the Blue Mountains National Park in relation to the construction of the Warragamba Dam wall.
Penny Sharpe, the NSW Shadow Environment Minister, grilled Mr. Kean once again in October 2021 on whether he believed the project was still “unviable.” Mr. Kean responded that the “economics were problematic.”
Wednesday, Ms. Sharpe stated that Mr. Kean’s pledge to save the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area ring hollow.
Ms. Sharpe told Daily Mail Australia, “Matt Kean vowed to be a strong advocate for the environment, but now all the community hears is crickets.”
He usually talks a big game but fails to deliver when it matters.
Mr. Kean claims he still cares deeply about the environment, but the recent catastrophic flooding in the state necessitated a robust mitigation strategy.
Mr. Kean stated, “I adore our national parks and recognize the significance of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Site.”
However, in light of recent catastrophic flooding and the increasing unpredictability of extreme weather events, I would rather see water lapping in a national park than in people’s living rooms.
The Treasurer is not the only member of the Coalition to voice skepticism about the proposal.
A cross-party committee comprised of Liberal MLCs Shayne Mallard and Taylor Martin, as well as Nationals member Wes Fang, issued a unanimous report recommending further investigation of environmental concerns and seeking the permission of local First Nations people.
Traditional landowners and environmentalists are vehemently opposed to the wall’s erection and have previously begun a campaign to block its construction.
The huge renovation would cost approximately $1.6 billion and 14 meters to the dam wall (shown).
Ms. Sharpe stated that the project jeopardized the site’s World Heritage classification and that, after 12 years of coalition government, it remained unfunded.
She stated that the project would not be completed for at least eight years and that it would fail to prevent flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean region because over half of the region’s floodwaters originated from catchment areas downstream from the dam.
Her remarks come after the premier of New South Wales declared Wednesday a “landmark day… for a project that has been discussed for decades.”
The development is free from certain environmental and planning regulations as a result of the dam wall’s designation as Critical State Significant Infrastructure.
Mr. Perrottet emphasized that he did not want the important infrastructure to become tied down in red tape and government bureaucracy, stating, “we must plan and invest.”
Mr. Perrottet stated, “It’s all about preserving lives and protecting property,” adding that the project was vital to help protect western Sydney from flooding.
On Wednesday, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet declared the project “vital infrastructure.”
Mr. Perrottet stated that a report from an independent flood inquiry indicated that raising the wall was the best method to protect western Sydney homes downstream from the dam.
He noted that it was the most effective long-term flood mitigation method to safeguard Hawkesbury-Nepean residents, who had been frequently impacted by flooding.
In the event of another catastrophic flood in the Hawkesbury-Nepean region, increasing the dam wall would lower the number of damaged properties from 15,000 to 5,000.
The number of persons requiring evacuation will be reduced from approximately 90,000 to 14,000.
If the wall is raised, the cost of damages might be lowered by up to $8 billion, according to Water Minister Kevin Anderson.
Warragamba has overflowed numerous times over the past year as a result of massive storms and the La Nina weather phenomena.
Independent representative Justin Field characterized the proclamation by the governor as a cynical political manoeuvre made ahead of a close state election.
Multiple evaluations have generated major doubts about the advantages of raising the wall at both the state and federal levels, he stated.
Mr. Field stated, “This decision removes the community of the right to appeal a future decision in court, which is quite disturbing.”
This is a poor procedure.
Mr. Field noted in a 2021 assessment, “It is undeniable that the project will have major, if not devastating, effects on upstream biodiversity, notably on critically endangered species like the Regent Honeyeater and pure wild rivers like the Kowmung.”
Water NSW will respond to issues mentioned in proposal submissions prior to conducting a complete review in accordance with planning regulations.
The Opposition has pledged $225 million for a flood resilience plan for western Sydney, including projects such as evacuation roads, levees, and essential communications infrastructure to improve flood prevention and evacuation infrastructure.
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