[Greens-Media] Greens call for Coffer Dam in Homebush Bay to Stop Spread of Dioxins

[Dominika Rajewski]

Media Release								
      3 May 2006			
Greens call for Coffer Dam in Homebush Bay to Stop Spread of Dioxins

Greens MLC Ian Cohen today condemned Minister Macdonald's
announcement that he may allow recreational fishing in Sydney Harbour.
Mr Cohen called on the Government to build a coffer dam in Homebush Bay
and remediate the bed of the bay to stop the spread of dioxins any
further.

"It is negligent of the Government to even consider allowing
recreational fishing in Sydney Harbour in light of the alarming levels
of dioxins found in seafood in the harbour. Many recreational fishermen,
including those who are unemployed, rely on their catch as a main source
of protein for their families. They could be putting themselves and
their families at risk if the Government fails to protect them." Mr
Cohen said.

"Today in Question Time I called on the Government to direct the
building of a coffer dam in Homebush Bay to contain the contaminated
sediment where it is most concentrated prior to remediation. This would
prevent the stirring up and the spread of dioxins further into Sydney
Harbour.  

"Remediation of the harbour must become a top priority for the
Government. But this must not be done in a way that stirs up the
contaminants further. Building a coffer dam prior to remediation is a
sensible solution that deserves serious investigation by the
Government." 

"This Government has previously opted to leave the contaminated
sediment in situ, but obviously this strategy has been a failure." Mr
Cohen said.


Further Information: Ian Cohen, 9230 2603 or 0409 989 466


Dominika Rajewski
Adviser to Ian Cohen, MLC
NSW Parliament
e. dominika.rajewski at parliament.nsw.gov.au
ph. (02) 9230 2204
fax (02) 9230 2267