Calling for an end to the growth agenda, a new independent community political party has voiced its opposition to the new dam proposed for Dunoon.

The Sustainable Australia Party has recently formed a Northern Rivers Branch - and branch organiser Thom Kotis said the party is calling for alternative solutions to the 50 gigalitre Dunoon Dam proposed by Rous Water.

“Our party campaigns against endless growth and over-development and building a new dam doesn’t support a transition to a sustainable society,” he said.

“Due to unsustainable growth in human consumption and population, we are now compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The proposed Dunoon Dam is the latest symptom of this unsustainable growth system that leads to over-development of resources.” 

“Dunoon Dam is costly and unnecessary. Other options such as conservation through education and management of water wastage, recycling, efficiency and leak and pressure management would negate the need for a 50Gl dam and create local jobs.

“Now is a line in the sand moment - an opportunity exists for this progressive local community to lead the nation in its approach to planning and development. We can’t grow forever.

“Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and operating within our environmental limits.”

Mr Kotis said investment in public education and management of water consumption and wastage would create an opportunity for meaningful progress in all facets of environmental and cultural protection." 

“Sustainable Australia Party is committed to more rigorous protection and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture,” he said.

“The proposed Dunoon Dam will flood culturally significant Widjabul sites and artefacts, including burial grounds.” 

“Damage to the natural environment caused by the proposed Dunoon Dam including the destruction of remnant Big Scrub rainforest and protected species habitat also compel alternative solutions.” 

“Sustainable Australia Party prioritises ecological sustainability, not only for the health and wellbeing of the humans and biodiversity within it, but for its own intrinsic worth.

Sustainable Australia Party intends to contest next year’s local elections.

Read more news: Council asks community: how should Nimbin grow in future?

Learn more about SAP policies and upcoming activity at http://www.sustainableaustralia.org.au