SENT via email: 29 JAN 2017
Dear Neil
We noticed your comments in the Cairns Post on January 15th , as reported in the following extract (emphasis added):
Cairns based environmental scientist Neil Boland, from NRA Environmental Approval and Compliance Solutions, has been contracted by KUR-World’s proponents to monitor water quality at the site.
Mr Boland said his agency undertook testing earlier this week during the first major rainfall of the season.
“We actually found the water leaving the site was cleaner than the water entering the site,” he said.
“That’s because controls that have been going on, on site.”
Last year a dam being built on the site was stopped by authorities because it was threatening the fragile ecosystem of Owen Creek.
It was later granted approval by Mareeba Shire Council, but subject to strict engineering standards.
Mr Boland said, to date, his agency had not detected any additional negative impacts to the site.
It’s of concern to us that all and any creeks known to support populations of the Kuranda Tree Frog are maintained in a condition that provides for their ongoing survival. We presume you sympathise with that concern.
If your analysis is correct, it appears there’s at least one other significant source of pollution, additional to any inappropriate site-works on the former Barnwell Estate.
We ask that you share your water quality data with us so the public can see the basis for your confidence that Mr Lee’s property is no longer a source of pollution.
Whatever and whoever is degrading water quality in these creeks should stop. If we share information it should be possible to identify the problem and seek urgent remedial action.
We are also writing to the Federal Government about these concerns.
Yours sincerely,
Syd Walker
Cathy Retter
Sarah Isaacs
Nadine Obrien
Steven Nowakowski
Jo Martin
Cheryl Tonkin
for KRPG
RECEIVED via email: 12 FEB 2017
From: Neil Boland
Subject: Barnwell property water quality request
Hi Syd et al
In response to the concerns expressed in your letter of 29 January. We agree that maintaining the water quality will be important for the viability of breeding habitat of upland rainforest frog species and understand your desire to better understand water quality issues surrounding Owen and Warril Creeks in particular.
To this end, we will be including a presentation on the EIS water quality monitoring program at the upcoming KurWorld project Open Day on 18 February (1430 – 1830).
It is hoped that this will provide a suitable starting point for ongoing communications regarding improving the management of habitat of rainforest frog species in the Kuranda area.
Thank you and regards
Neil Boland
Technical Coordinator Environment
