Lake Burragorang: The Hidden Gem Liberals Want to Ignore

Nestled in the heart of New South Wales, Australia, Lake Burragorang is a stunning reservoir that was created in 1959 by the damming of the Warragamba River. This picturesque body of water is the main water supply for Sydney, yet it remains a hidden gem that the mainstream media and environmental activists conveniently overlook. Why? Because it doesn't fit their narrative of environmental doom and gloom. Instead of celebrating this marvel of engineering and nature, they choose to ignore it, focusing instead on their endless campaigns against fossil fuels and climate change.

Lake Burragorang is a testament to human ingenuity and the ability to harness natural resources for the greater good. The lake covers an area of 75 square kilometers and holds a staggering 2,031,000 megaliters of water. It provides around 80% of Sydney's water supply, serving over 5 million people. This is a prime example of how humans can work with nature to create something beneficial for society. But of course, this doesn't fit the liberal agenda, which often paints humans as the villains in the story of Earth's environmental history.

The creation of Lake Burragorang involved the construction of the Warragamba Dam, one of the largest domestic water supply dams in the world. This engineering feat was completed in 1960 and stands as a monument to human achievement. The dam not only provides water but also helps in flood mitigation, protecting the surrounding areas from potential natural disasters. Yet, instead of acknowledging these benefits, the focus is often shifted to the environmental impact of such projects, ignoring the fact that the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Environmentalists often argue that the creation of Lake Burragorang led to the flooding of the Burragorang Valley, displacing local wildlife and altering the ecosystem. While it's true that the valley was flooded, it's important to remember that progress often requires sacrifice. The benefits of having a reliable water supply for millions of people cannot be overstated. Moreover, the area around the lake has become a thriving habitat for various species, proving that nature is resilient and can adapt to changes.

The lake is surrounded by the Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers breathtaking views and a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking, bird watching, and photography are just a few of the activities that visitors can enjoy. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, showcasing the beauty and resilience of nature. Yet, this is rarely highlighted in discussions about the environment, as it doesn't align with the narrative of environmental degradation.

Lake Burragorang is also a prime example of how water management can be done right. The lake is carefully monitored and managed to ensure that the water quality remains high and that the supply is sustainable. This is a stark contrast to the water management issues faced by other parts of the world, where mismanagement and neglect have led to crises. Instead of learning from successful examples like Lake Burragorang, the focus is often on failures, perpetuating a sense of hopelessness.

The lake's existence challenges the notion that human intervention is always detrimental to the environment. It shows that with careful planning and management, humans can create systems that benefit both society and the environment. This is a narrative that is often missing from mainstream discussions, as it doesn't fit the agenda of those who wish to portray humans as the enemy of nature.

In a world where negativity and fear often dominate the conversation, Lake Burragorang stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of what can be achieved when humans and nature work together. It's time to celebrate successes like this and recognize the potential for positive change. Instead of focusing on the negatives, let's highlight the achievements and learn from them. Lake Burragorang is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we put our minds to it, and it's high time it gets the recognition it deserves.