Government's deal with Patrick Corp. hits a hurdle

[Paul Sheridan]

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Media Release						28 May, 2004	

Government's deal with Patrick Corp. hits a hurdle

The NSW Government's rush to further develop Port Botany at the expense of local residents has been exposed by a parliamentary inquiry, which has found there are significant environmental and social impacts that should be reconsidered, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.

"Sydney Ports Corporation current plan to expand Port Botany operations would have terrible noise impacts on local residents, on internationally recognised wetlands and the proposal to dredge part of Botany Bay could accelerate the release of a toxic chemical plume that is spreading from the nearby Orica plant," Mr Cohen, a committee member, said.

The findings are part of an interim report of the State Development Committee, which is dominated by Labor MPs - who represent three of the six members of the committee. 

"Sydney Ports Corporation is a state-owned developer and it should be considering other options than simply pursuing Patrick Corporation's proposal to expand its facilities at Port Botany. 

"This report is a huge wake up call to Planning Minister Craig Knowles to go back and listen to the community about what they want instead of simply the developers who wish to exploit Botany Bay.

"There are alternatives to the Patrick's plan that have much less environmental impact and I believe the government should explain why it has not at least considered these options, including focusing on Port Kembla and Newcastle as alternative sites for ports expansion."

Mr Cohen said he is concerned that unless the government acts on the committee's recommendations, the Port Botany community and the environment of Botany Bay will suffer.

"At the moment, plans to expand Port Botany do not appear to be a level playing field.

"It is vital the government stops and reviews its decisions on Port Botany. Otherwise, problems will continue to arise from the government's original deal with Patrick's to relinquish its operations at Darling Harbour to allow passenger facilities to expand."

The committee's interim report will be followed by a final report on other issues about the NSW Government's plans for ports growth.

Further Information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656




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