QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT'S OWN "EXPERT" NOT "EXPERT ENOUGH"

MONDAY 9th NOVEMBER 2009    QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT'S OWN "EXPERT" NOT "EXPERT ENOUGH"

Save the Mary River campaigners in attendance at the Paradise Dam court case in Brisbane today were surprised to hear the Sunwater legal representatives claim that a key expert who has advised the Queensland Government on the proposed Traveston Crossing dam is not expert enough.

Mr Walter Sofronoff QC, the Queensland Solicitor General and Barrister acting for Sunwater went on the attack in the federal court today, arguing that Mr Jim Tait, an aquatic fish specialist who was engaged for the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam, was not expert enough to give evidence on the effect of the Paradise Dam on lungfish passage.

There is one glaring problem with Mr Sofronoffs argument, said Glenda Pickersgill, president of the Save the Mary River Coordinating Group. If Mr Tait is not expert enough to give evidence in this case, why is he expert enough to prepare scientific reports on fish issues for the proposed Traveston Crossing dam? They cant have it both ways.

The play the man not the ball approach of Mr Sofronoff QC took today was nothing more than a desperate attempt to derail Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Councils case. It leaves us wondering what they have to hide.

The legal team engaged by Burnett Water, a Government Owned Corporation, has racked up bills to the Queensland taxpayer of $2 million prior to the case recommencing. Today and every day of the case, the Burnett Water legal team will be drawing more than $15,000 a day from the public purse, explained David Kreutz, secretary of the Save the Mary River Coordinating Group.

Compare that to the money spent on Lungfish research by the Queensland Government and its pretty clear where the Queensland Governments priorities lie. Not with the preservation of our unique and precious biodiversity.

Mr Sofronoff appears to want to suppress debate on the lungfish survival requirements. All that we ask is that the evidence be heard and the court be allowed to debate it, said Ms Pickersgill.

Justice Logan is due to make a decision on whether he will accept Mr Taits evidence tomorrow. If Justice Logan grants Mr Sofronoffs request, large amounts of the applicants, Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Council expert witness report will become inadmissible.

Justice Logan will announce his ruling at the Federal Court in Brisbane tomorrow commencing at 10:15am.