Group loses lungfish battle
SUNWATER has won its long-running court battle against the Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Council over the Paradise Dam fish lift.
The conservation council launched the action in 2008, alleging the fish lift installed did not provide an adequate pathway for the endangered lungfish.
But in the Federal Court yesterday, Justice John Logan ruled in favour of Burnett Water, which is now controlled by SunWater.
He found all environmental approval conditions were complied with when Paradise Dam was built.
Council president Roger Currie said he was disappointed with Justice Logan's ruling, but said he accepted the decision.
Mr Currie said despite the loss, the case had highlighted the importance of protecting endangered animals.
“It appears that technical expert opinion from the respondents trumped our technical expert opinion,” he said.
SunWater chief executive Peter Boettcher said the company had welcomed the decision.
“Today's ruling confirms to the communities within the Burnett and Bundaberg region that the Paradise Dam is being operated in an environmentally responsible manner while still providing the essential water supply security and reliability the region needs,” he said.
