[Greens-Media] BHP Billiton's profits come at the expense of our rivers

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 25 August 2005

BHP Billiton's profits come at the expense of our rivers

BHP Billiton's record profits come at the expense of damaging the environment and history will reveal that the NSW Government has been toothless in preventing it, said Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today.

"The company giant creamed $8.6 billion in 2004/5, almost double the previous year, but this has come at a great cost to our environment and local communities.

"BHP Billiton has cracked our rivers and disrupted Sydney and Wollongong's water catchments, causing unrepairable damage to pristine habitats for threatened and endangered species.

"For example, when BHP mined under the Georges and Cataract Rivers large cracks appeared in the riverbed resulting in massive water loss and environmental disruption. Once you crack a river you can't repair it.

"With these massive profits the company no longer has any excuse to forgo its environmental responsibilities.

"The Government should stop hiding behind its flimsy jobs rhetoric and get on with the job of regulating mining companies to prevent future environmental disasters.

"BHP should be required to stop mining under rivers like the Nepean and to stay away from water catchments in the southern coalfields of NSW.

"This simple measure would do an enormous amount to protect the environment while leaving only the tiniest dent in BHP gigantic profits," Ms Rhiannon said.

More information:  9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme (Tues, Wed & alternate Thurs)
Adviser
Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
NSW Parliament
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
ph 02 9230 3549
mob 0432 332 104
fax 02 9230 3550
email: alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au