THE Give a Dam campaign has been launched in an attempt to stop the raising of the Warragamba Dam wall.

The State Government has proposed raising the Warragamba Dam wall by 14 metres, as a method of flood mitigation. This option has sparked outrage from the Blue Mountains community and also a campaign aimed at preventing the raising of the wall.

The “Give A Dam” campaign was launched last night in Penrith and brought together community members, experts and political candidates.

Associate Professor Jamie Pittock is a floodplain expert and said raising the dam wall will not solve any problems, but will instead put more people into harm’s way.

“The government’s strategy for managing flood risk in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley is predicated on allowing more people to move into harms way and such a strategy is extremely dangerous,” Mr Pittock said.

“The assessment of flood control favours raising the Warragamba Dam wall by ignoring its environmental and social impact, with no serious plans to build new flood evacuation roads in western Sydney.”

A documentary has already been created outlining the dangers associated with raising the wall.

Campaign manager Harry Burkitt says it is time to tack the fight to the politicians before it is too late.

“The floodplain overdevelopment occurring in Stuart Ayres’ electorate is extremely dangerous and the people of western Sydney are fed-up,” Mr Burkitt said.

Government and its developer mates should be worried.”

To find out more about the campaign visit www.giveadam.org.au