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Highlights
- UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has slammed the NSW government’s plans to raise the Warragamba Dam wall.
- ICOMOS has strongly opposed the idea of raising the dam wall as the dam fails to comply with obligations to protect the area.
- Frustrated over the controversial dam proposal, flood plain councils, including Wollondilly Council has raised concerns over the dam.
The NSW government's plans to raise the Warragamba Dam wall have been branded "fundamentally deficient" and in conflict with its commitments to conserve the area by an international cultural group advising UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.
The Australian branch of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has strongly objected to the dam proposal responding to the dam’s environmental impact statement in a submission report.
Concerned over the dam, the Council advised that the project is at odds with cultural heritage practice and obligations arising from World Heritage Convention.
Many opponents have been arguing over the plan of AU$1 billion controversial dam wall to raise by 14 metres. The proposal is inconsistent with the Australian obligations under the World Heritage Convention regarding the Greater Blue Mountains area.
The Council also said that there had been inadequate consultation with the traditional owners while the registered Aboriginal parties of the plan were not properly informed.
Besides, frustrated over the controversial dam proposal, flood plain councils, including Blue Mountains Council, Wollondilly Council and Penrith City Council, have also raised concerns over the project.
Bottomline
Although WaterNSW didn’t respond to the ICOMOS submission, the issue will likely be addressed to the Department of Planning and Environment.
