[Greens-Media] Greens Question Government on Channel Deepening

[Elizabeth.Ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Media Release - Tuesday 17 April 2007

Greens Question Government on Channel Deepening

The Government has rejected Greens MLC Sue Pennicuik's request to extend 
the deadline for public participation on the Channel Deepening process, in 
Parliament question time today.

"Given the widespread community concern and the significant costs and 
risks associated with channel deepening, 30 days isn't enough time for 
community groups and the individual members of the public to read, 
analyse, meet and discuss and then prepare a detailed response to the 
15,000 page report", she said.

"This is the most significant and controversial proposal in terms of cost 
and potential environmental impact ever put before the Victorian people. 
The process needs to be fair, and be seen to be fair, and to allow for 
meaningful public participation."

Ms Pennicuik wrote to Mr Madden on 4 April requesting an extension of time 
to at least 30 June 2007.  Mr Madden claimed that he has not personally 
received letters requesting an extension of time.

In a member's statement this afternoon, Ms Pennicuik also questioned the 
need for the project and the asserted economic benefits for Victoria.  "On 
reading the SEES, it is difficult to discern just where any economic 
benefits will come from or go to.  As always, it is impossible to get a 
straight answer as to just how many ships, now or in the short or medium 
term, are actually prevented from loading to capacity due to draft 
limits", she said.

For further information:  Sue Pennicuik  0407 000 270

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Liz Ingham
Office of Colleen Hartland MLC
9651 8413 / 0409 333 595

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