From: Steven Nowakowski
Subject: Illegal Dam construction at Barnwell property Kuranda
Date: 21 December 2016 at 6:25:45 PM AEST
To: Compliance@environment.gov.au
Cc: Terri-Ann.English@environment.gov.au

Hello Compliance,

My name is Steven Nowakowski and I live in Kuranda.

I am aware of the large dam that was built on the Barnwell (Kur-cow) property. In fact I was the first person to realise the huge scale of the dam when I took photos of it after many neighbours complained about incessant machinery noise as well as sediment flows down the creek. In fact many neighbours lodged formal complaints to Council about the water quality flowing down the creek just after construction. Many adjacent neighbours have lived on their properties for decades and have never witnessed such bad sediment flows. (These letters from neighbours can be provided)

I decided to walk along the creek below the dam and was truly shocked. I spend my life travelling Australia photographing our living treasures, working as an active wildlife and nature photographer and publisher. I am used to seeing buggered environments, but what sets this one apart is the damage done in a high rainfall area with high species diversity. I suppose I have a self interest too, I live near the Barron River and am tired of seeing the river run red after heavy rain!

I am not a scientist but I can safely assume the creek is now completely destroyed for many hundreds of metres downstream. I have photographed the Kuranda Treefrog and cassowary at locations very close to this dam site.

I would like to see the full extent of the law passed onto the proponent of this project and property. This letter to you has been instigated by the recent report by Conrad Hoskins. The findings are sad and this has prompted me to ask you to act appropriately and prosecute the Kur-cow proponent. If we can’t set an example of this action I am not sure what will?

I thank you for your time and happy to provide any material that you may require.

All the best over the festive season and warm regards,

Steven Nowakowski

Images:-