Landfill will affect farm

David Barrett at his luxury Henderson Park lodge which borders the property earmarked for the region’s new landfill.

Nikita Watts

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FROM his cattle property David Barrett can see the unspoilt beauty spot earmarked as the site of the region’s next landfill.

So perhaps it’s not surprising he’s joined the chorus of disapproval against the proposal to dump millions of tonnes of rubbish at Hedlow.

Mr Barrett, who has lived on his Barmoya property since he was born, has built an idyllic farm retreat business which regularly attracts international visitors.

Henderson Park can accommodate up to 25 in a luxury lodge and individual cabins on a pristine 2500 hectare farm where he also runs 1000 head of cattle.

And he fears that if the dump is located on the council’s preferred site it will destroy his tourism business at a stroke, ruining an estimated $1 million investment and a growing reputation.

But he says his main fear is for the safety of Rockhampton’s water supply.

“My family has been here for 100 years so I know what I’m talking about,” he said yesterday.

“You will not believe how much water comes through that area in a wet season until you have seen it happen.

“This area is known for prolonged dry periods followed by torrential downpours. This contributes to cracking and closing of soils on a seasonal basis. How anyone can think they can seal a dump under those conditions and guarantee no leaching or overflowing is beyond me.

“Dare I mention Ensham Mine?”

Mr Barrett said there had been no consultation with him, even though he lives only six kilometres from the proposed site and, more importantly, just 1.5 kilometres from Hedlow Creek.

“Sooner or later the site will be overwhelmed and no matter how well it has been sealed the contents of the dump will be washed into the creek, then into Alligator Creek and then into the Fitzroy River above the barrage.

“You can’t conquer Mother Nature. I despair of this proposal because there is a real risk of disaster.”

Mayor Brad Carter said although Hedlow was the council’s favoured site there would have to be a further technical assessment before councillors would decide whether to make an application to the State Government to conduct a full Environmental Impact Study.

If a study is conducted it will be assessed by the State Government and a final decision could rest with the Federal Government’s Environment Minister.