MACNAMARRA AND WALDRON REACH CONSENSUS

Judging by the comment below , The local Member and Minister responsible for protecting Wongi Waterholes ( State Forest tenure) , has a special linkage to Tim Waldron , the CEO and person responsible for (theoretically) protecting Wongi Water Holes from any ” prolonged flood elevation” , as a result of the new crest gates failing , :

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Praise and protest at official opening

After a string of light-hearted speeches, the forcible removal of an outspoken protester and the exchanging of pats on the back between dignitaries, the upgrade of Lenthall Dam was officially declared open yesterday.

Wide Bay Water chairman Graham Thomsen opened the ceremony aimed at recognising those who had contributed to the introduction of Australia’s first crest gate system which raises the dam level by two metres.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas had his moment in the sun followed by WBW chief Tim Waldron.

“In the past years I have worked with a number of mayors so I like to think of it as a four-mayor dam,” Mr Waldron said.

“They have all been totally supportive of me although one of them swore at me, one actually threw things at me, one I swore at a lot and one might swear at me in years to come.”

A few sentences into his speech, Member for Hervey Bay and Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara was interrupted by protester Ester Allan who says the gate system failed ratepayers when it jammed up during the February rains and endangered properties.

But he chose to ignore Ms Allan while she was being removed from the area and continued his speech in which he congratulated WBW and his government on their achievement. ”

“I’ve been through the dam with Mr Waldron over more than one bottle of wine in the past years and everyone who has worked on it should be very proud.”

 The Dam , or the Wine ? , interestingly , there is a rumour doing the rounds that there is also a ‘fruit of the vine ‘ connection to the proposed Water Park at the Sea Front oval in Pialba ( you know , where Yagubi used to be ) , maybe we could call the Water Park , “Big Important Wine fella Sustainable Monument Wetland Theme park ” , 

Ben Bissett.

Sub-editor

Fraser Coast Chronicle.