Call to fight development

Ginny Gerlach speaking for KAFDA at the public meeting at Emu Park Cultural Hall on Thursday night.

Sophie Jackson

GINNY Gerlach's voice cracked, as she asked the question "why do we live here?" at a public meeting called by Keppel and Fitzroy Delta Alliance at the Emu Park Cultural Hall on Thursday night.

Ginny went on to share her journey to the Capricorn Coast in search of clean air and ocean, a great place to go sailing and play on the water, islands, a small town, tropical climate without too much rain and an abundance of avocadoes.

"It just feels right," she said.

"We all have different reasons why it feels right to live here and we need to preserve it for our grandchildren and great-grand children."

The meeting was called to inform locals about the proposed developments at Balaclava Island and the northern tip of Port Curtis Island and to gain support for the group intent on saving Keppel Bay and the Fitzroy Delta from industrialisation.

Ginny went on to explain in detail the three separate developments from Xstrata, Gladstone Ports Corporation and the Fitzroy Terminal Project.

"Each may sound simple, but don't be fooled. Accumulatively (sic) they could be devastating."

Detailing the possible adverse effects on the ecosystem and the resulting impacts on society, Ginny clarified that KAFDA was not suggesting coal shouldn't be mined, only to minimise impacts and consolidate the ports in existing locations.

"A clean, healthy environment is intrinsic to the livability of our community, which has been recognised for its environmental, social and cultural aspects," she said. "We also need to protect existing businesses that support our economy, despite boom or bust. It is our responsibility to express our concerns and understand the projects. We need to trust and access our local representatives to pass on our concerns," she said calling for support. "Get active and write to your local representative and candidates."

 info@protectkeppelbay.org.