No dam and no going back
Old passions are stirring and divisions re-emerging as environmentalists celebrate victory all over again, 25 years after the demise of the Gordon-below-Franklin dam.
The High Court ruling on July 1, 1983 not only stopped hydro-electric development on the lower Gordon and Franklin rivers, it was the climax of a great national drama, ending years of politicking and protest which changed the country forever.
The issue destroyed the governments of two Tasmanian premiers, Doug Lowe and Harry Holgate, and loosened Labor’s grip on the state, establishing the Liberals as a significant player for the first time in decades, under the tough-talking, pro-development leadership of premier Robin Gray.
25 years ago today I was too scared to catch the school bus home in fear of another fight. Instead I walked home, relieved that the High Court had made the correct decision but terrified of the social implications to come. Social implications are pretty harsh when you’re a teenager. Peer groups and so-called grown ups can be very cruel when you’re too young to face up to a fight or know how to win. Just don’t even consider thinking about trying to intimidate me now. You know who you are.
