Media Release 24/4/08
Canoeists and kayakers will converge on the Mary River this Sunday to mark the second anniversary of the announcement of the highly controversial proposal to dam the Mary River at Traveston Crossing.
Their canoe “Flotilla” will follow the route of that led by Greens leader Bob Brown when he helped bring 
the proposed Mary Dam into the national spotlight almost two years back.
This time, they’ll be joined by Murray/Darling kayaker Steve Posselt who has attracted his own media coverage as he paddles his “Don’t Murray the Mary” message on a 29-day trip that encompasses the entire length of the Mary.
Save the Mary River’s Glenda Pickersgill said the ripples of opposition had spread well outside the Mary Valley since Premier Peter Beattie’s shock announcement in April 2006.
“This has squarely become a national issue,” she said. “At a time when dams all around the country have been letting us down, and with the finger pointed squarely at Climate Change, our state government opted for another dam.”
“Since then, they’ve thumbed their nose at the possibility that Peter Garrett won’t approve this dam. They’re hoping if they press on far enough, he’ll feel obliged to give it the nod.”
“Even then,” she points out, ” the Franklin Dam was stopped after construction was actually commenced.”
” The people of the Mary Valley have had two years of a relentless and orchestrated campaign of glossy brochures that the dam is going ahead. But it has only made us more determined to fight for the river and the endangered species it is home to.”
The “Flotilla” celebrates the fighting spirit of all those involved. All participants are asked to bring their glossy brochures to the “bull-fire” on the bank at Traveston Crossing and to adjourn afterwards to Kandanga Hall for food and entertainment.”
Starting point is at 1865 Mary Valley Road, just north of Kandanga. Launching time is 9am but gates open at 7.30 and be early to get unloaded and in the water on time.
For registration, or further details phone 07 54 843 150 , mobile 0411443589 or visit www.savethemaryriver.com
For those confined to the land, the “Flotilla” will converge on Traveston Crossing Bridge at around 11.30am
Glenda Pickersgill 54 843 150 mb 041143589
Save the Mary River Coordinating Group
see also attached flyer
From: Maryborough Electorate Office
Date: May 20, 2008 11:51 AM
Subject: Friday 6 June Rally at Parliament House still on, Convoy cancelled
To: To all concerned
Thank you for showing an interest in the convoy rally to Parliament House against the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam on Friday 6 June.
Please note that I have made some amendments and decided to go ahead with the rally only but not the convoy down to Brisbane.
The logistics involved such as road safety and the very congested road network in Brisbane (especially going into a long weekend), along with the parking problems for people when they get there have made it next to impossible to do. Out of courtesy to other road users, people can make their own way to the rally by train, bus, car etc.
But the main thing is to BE THERE on the footpath opposite the main entrance to Parliament house in George Street on Friday 6 June at 11am to let the Government know that we are not happy about the Traveston Dam.
I apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope that this does not drastically alter any other plans you may have.
The Save the Mary team have a stall at this year’s Fraser Coast Show, so if you are going into the show, make the effort to drop by and give them your support.
I would also encourage everyone to head on down to the Maryborough Town Hall Green at 5:30pm on Thursday 29 May for another Save the Mary rally.
Kind Regards
Mr Chris Foley MP
State Member for Maryborough
Shop 1 Comet Place
133 Lennox Street
MARYBOROUGH QLD 4650
Phone: 07 4122 2277
Fax: 07 4122 1980
Email: maryborough@parliament.qld.gov.au
Website: http://www.chrisfoley.com.au