THE Margaret River Friends of the Yarragadee held an information stall last Saturday about the proposed Yarragadee Aquifer extraction.
"The proposal has potential detrimental consequences on above and below groundwater ecosystems within Australia's only biodiversity hotspot, whilst inadequate research has been done on the ecological responses on the Margaret River," the group said.
They believed the Water Corporation's proposal to extract 45GL annually from the aquifer would go ahead despite their belief there has been insufficient research undertaken into the long term consequences of draw-down, or rescinding water tables.
They fear such consequences may include sulfuric acid, which if released could reduce the productivity of pastures, affecting livestock and aquatic life.
If the project is approved, a petition will be handed over to the speaker of the Legislative Assembly as part of the appeal process.
The group plans to have 50,000 signatures from within the Integrated Water System Scheme.
"We seek help from organisations, business and other groups to help achieve this goal by hosting, or allowing this petition to be visible within your establishments especially in places where a high traffic flow of visitors and local residents can be found," the group said.
"This number may sound large but in its simplest form it equates to 1000 places collecting 50 signatures, or as Gandhi said a little by a lot, instead of a lot by a little."
Their next stall will be on August 12 and a banner-painting day is proposed for the 19th to allow all members, especially the younger ones, to have a say in a colourful and creative manner.
If you would like more information, can be involved, can donate your time or resources phone Adrian Trivett 0421 591 496.