Whilst all individuals are entitled to their views on the whys and why nots of the proposed dam, the last few paragraphs over-stepped the line by a country mile.

To so absolutely denounce the right and credibility of individuals – especially school students (the future assets of our region) – to be involved in, let alone attend, the upcoming Growth Through Imposition Forum, spits in the face of any hope that the Dungog region may have to offset the negative impacts that will inevitably occur should the proposal gain approval, and to mitigate those impacts that have already occurred even since the original announcement over 18 months ago.

It should be with respect that everyone now move forward, remembering that almost regardless of whether or not the project now goes ahead, many (specifically in the inundation area) will have already made huge sacrifices and endured much heartache under truly unpalatable circumstances.

For those with loved ones interred at Quart Pot Cemetery, one cannot even begin to imagine when the emotional torment may start to dissipate.

Since stepping into my community support role, I have yet to come across any individual or group that has made past approaches or campaigned to any government, authority or parliamentarian to have the dam built.

However, aside from those obviously vehemently opposed to the proposal, the vast majority of people I have spoken with (even from within the inundation area) short of not wanting the dam to go ahead, desperately and perhaps even totally unselfishly wish Dungog to be given the opportunity to explore as many positive outcomes for the region as possible.

To this end, the Growth Through Imposition Forum, an initiative of the Tillegra Dam Community Reference Group, is geared towards growing an unwanted imposition into future prosperity for the region.

I would wholeheartedly encourage all students, parents, businesspeople and members of the community to attend not only the forum, but any future information sessions relating to the Tillegra proposal, in order to make their own informed opinions based on solid, first-hand information.

Readers need to be aware that, almost exclusively through the selfless efforts of Community Reference Group members, many potential benefits have already been committed to the region, totally irrespective of final approval of the proposed dam.

Only a united community interest will help unlock this potential and see it materialise into tangible, positive outcomes.

Following past regional ‘hits’ with the downturn in the timber, dairy and grazing industries – the very foundation of the Dungog district – it would be a crying shame that should Tillegra gain approval, that behind water, youth became Dungog’s second biggest export.

One would think that such a potentially realistic outcome from doing nothing but criticise every individual, group or process that is endeavouring to extract positive outcomes from the Tillegra proposal, would not be something to be proud of, and certainly something to be avoided.