Yesterday afternoon, in the peaceful surrounds of Eungella, a determined group of community members gathered outside the Eungella Hub, marking their stand against the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project. This gathering coincided with the Stakeholders Reference Group (SRG) meeting taking place within the Hub. We at Save Eungella want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every individual who took the time to attend and express their concern about the future of our beloved area.
Despite the chilly weather and busy schedules, your presence proved once again that Eungella is a community that cares deeply about its environment and future. Your peaceful protest not only showed our resilience but also sent a clear message: The community wants a fair and unbiased assessment of this project.
Recently, we published a blog post questioning the composition of the Stakeholders Reference Group. Our concern, shared by many within our community, is that the SRG is currently heavily influenced by individuals and groups who have strong affiliations with the Labor State Government. This was illustrated by their attendance at the recent Labor State Government Christmas party.
What we are advocating for is not against renewable energy or progress but for a fair and transparent process. Our community deserves to be heard, and its concerns about this project need to be genuinely considered, not merely sidelined. We want the Stakeholders Reference Group to be representative of a wider array of stakeholders, encompassing a diverse range of voices and interests. We believe this is key to ensuring that the project is evaluated in a balanced and fair manner.
The peaceful protest outside the Eungella Hub during the SRG meeting is a testament to the strength of our community and our collective desire for a more inclusive and balanced evaluation process. We can't thank you enough for your support and for standing up for Eungella. A special thanks to Sue Vetma for letting us chat with her.
We are not just fighting for the present, but for the future. For the platypus that finds its home in the rivers, the unique biodiversity of our rainforests, and for the generations to come who have the right to enjoy the natural beauty that Eungella offers.
Remember, every voice matters. And together, our voices can bring about change.
Stay strong, Eungella. We continue to fight, and we continue to hope. We thank you for standing with us and look forward to your continued support.