Campaigner's message to the Lake Pedder inquiry

Letter to the Secretary of the Lake Pedder inquiry from Mrs RN Clippingdale.

Letter to the Secretary, Lake Pedder Inquiry

Transcript

Esplanade,

Campbell Town,

Tasmania. 7210.

[Stamped in purple ink] 21 MAR 1973

The Secretary,

Lake Pedder Inquiry,

Department of the Environment and Conservation,

P.O. [Post Office] Box 5,

Canberra,

A.C.T. [Australian Capital Territory] 2600.

Dear Sir,

What can I a housewife with two young children say about the Lake Pedder case?

Over seven years ago I first heard of Lake Pedder, when friends who were keen bushwalkers came home with stories and photos of the Lake. I was so interested that I made the effort to walk and see this creation that our Forefathers had the sense to include in a National Park to be enjoyed by people like you and me for all time.

I was devastated when I heard not long after that the H.E.C. [Hydro Electric Commission] proposed to flood Lake Pedder in their then latest scheme. So the natural sequence to this was to help with origional [sic] "Save Lake Pedder" Campaign of which I am sure you have details before you. I collected many signatures for that origional [sic] petition:– in fact one of the organizers was heard to say my blood was worth bottling. You see I believed in what I was doing. I can still remember the taste of all those envelopes and stamps I licked.

Now too late everyone has jumped on the band wagon. Where were all those people all those years ago? Wallowing in apathy.

At least we have won in two respects:– I don’t beleive [sic] anything like this will happen again in a hurry because people are now aware of conservation and the enviorement [sic]; and we have your inquiry.

Why did it happen? When so many people felt so strongly and fought so long, why was it we were ignored? Surely this is not democracy.

Please find enclosed a photo I took with my instamatic camera on my farewell visit just twelve months ago. I am keeping a copy to show my children. They are just 28 months and 4 months old and they will never see “our” Lake Pedder.

Yours faithfully,

[Handwritten signature] Helen Clippingdale [end handwritten] (Mrs. R.N. Clippingdale.)

Related themes

Theme

Rabbits around a waterhole during myxomatosis trials at Wardang Island, South Australia.

Conservation

Conservation often involves conflicting goals or values. Balancing economic development with environmental protection generates passionate public debate and can throw the government into conflict.

Theme

Protest against the Vietnam War outside Old Parliament House.

Activism

Activism is an important part of the democratic process. Individuals and communities have the power to shape government policy and society by campaigning for change.

Theme

Fuel-saving wind turbines under test, Rottnest Island, Western Australia.

Renewable energy

Australia’s first renewable energy initiative was the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric project. Some renewable energy projects have created conflict between the government and environmental groups.