Dear Editor,
Reading of the article in the Central Western Daily written (according to the masthead on 25 Oct 16) by Bev Smiles of (the) Inland Rivers Network who states, “Indepth studies conducted in the 1960s ruled out these dam sites” seems to be unable to accept those findings when she states, “The Belubula River Alliance looks forward to a rigorous costs benefits analysis in the stage 2 feasibility report”, which seems to be in juxtaposition to her bewailing that the group, ‘The Nationals, Lachlan Valley Water and Belubula Landholders Alliance’, have not explained their interests in the matter. I would have thought the ordered evidence of past investigations had already explained ad-nauseua the cost benefits for many over the constricted interests of some smaller groups.
From a social and economic point of view the desire to build the dam is fairly established. From a geotechnical point of view, where porous limestone might leak out the water being held, a case can be made to further explore the dangers inherent because of better understanding now of earth science than was the case previous. As for the underground cavities that might house some examples of pristine wonderment, I have not heard of a movement to open up an entrance so that the world might enjoy the sights revealed (a la Jenolan Caves).
It would be unfortunate for these to be drowned in water, but a Pyrrhic example of what wrought them to be their demise.
So be it. Dam the river.
Regards,
Bob Sherwood