AN ENVIRONMENTAL lobby group applauded the decision to take Byrrill Creek Dam off the agenda for 20 years but warned its members to remain vigilant against the "forces of darkness".

The debate between those for and against the Byrrill Creek dam has reached the epic proportions reminiscent of a fantasy novel.

Earlier this week Caldera Environment Centre secretary Sam Dawson sent an email to the centre's members applauding the decision of Tweed Shire Council to put a 20-year moratorium on the Byrrill Creek dam debate.

While asking members to celebrate the decision, Mr Dawson also warned them to remain vigilant.

"A big thank you also to the councillors who supported the motion. Honourable mention goes to Dot Holdom for moving the motion," Mr Dawson said in the email.

"But there is a price to pay for our victory. As always, constant vigilance is needed because the forces of darkness still slowly and surely draw their plans against us."

Mr Dawson stood by his statement but refused to elaborate on who he considered to be on the dark side of this issue.

"I wouldn't want to be specific and name names," he said.

"It's these forces that have raised against us that harm the environment."

Mr Dawson said the issue would not go away.

"There is always a reaction," he said.

Mr Dawson said the Caldera Environment Centre was a lobby group not a political group.

Councillor Warren Polglase said he was a supporter of the Byrrill Creek dam and dismissed the statements of "forces of darkness" as propaganda and intimidation.

"What they are endeavouring to do is intimidate people," Cr Polglase said.

"Caldera is scaremongering. (The dam debate) doesn't need that stuff. It needs honest debate.

"I'm sure the community wants a council that has debate and achieves outcomes.

"This moratorium will only last until the next election."