A coalition of environmental groups says legal action launched today against the builders of a dam in southeast Queensland could affect the proposed Traveston Crossing dam.
The lawsuit alleges that a fishway built for the unique lungfish at Paradise dam on the Burnett River, 80km southwest of Bundaberg, does not work, endangering the species which is considered a "living fossil".
The Wide Bay Burnett Conservation Council (WBBCC) has applied for an injunction against Burnett Water Pty Ltd, builders of the Paradise dam, requiring that the fishway be working within six months.
"The fishway designed to protect the lungfish has never worked properly and is not suitable," said Roger Currie, water policy officer for the WBBCC.
Mr Currie said only six lungfish had moved upstream using the fishway and none had moved downstream since the dam was completed in November 2005.
He said the fishway design was due to be installed at the Traveston Crossing dam if it gained approval from the federal government.
The Traveston Crossing dam is planned for the Mary River, which enters waters near Fraser Island about 80km south of the Burnett River.
The Burnett and Mary rivers are the only two waterways that host the Australian lungfish in its natural habitat.
Kate Noble, of the Australian Conservation Council, said the lawsuit was backed by a range of conservation groups.
"Premier Anna Bligh has said that the Traveston Crossing dam will not be built if it doesn't stack up environmentally," Ms Noble said.
"What this court case will show is that there is ample evidence the Paradise dam is having an impact on the lungfish.
"Similarly the Traveston Crossing dam will not be suitable to lungfish with this design of fishway.
"We're really urging the Queensland government to reconsider their decision to build the Traveston Crossing dam, and if they don't reconsider it we're urging (federal) minister (Peter) Garrett to reject the Traveston Crossing dam at the earliest opportunity."
