[Greens-Media] M5 tunnel emission trial approved: Iemma and Sartor dump on constituents

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 17 July 2007

M5 tunnel emission trial approved: Iemma and Sartor dump on
constituents

Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said today that the
Iemma government was acting irresponsibly by approving a 'filtration
trial' that will involve regularly pumping unfiltered emissions out the
ends of the M5 East tunnel onto residents living in Premier Iemma and
Minister Sartor's seats.

"Mr Peter Manins, a CSIRO air quality expert, has characterised this
$50 million plan as the world's worst practice but Minister Sartor has
decided his constituents should bear the brunt regardless," Ms Rhiannon
said.  

“Community experts have calculated that more than three quarters of
the air quality 'benefits' obtained from this plan is achieved by
dumping pollution on residents living in the safe Labor seats of
Lakemba, Kogarah, Rockdale and Canterbury. 

“The RTA and Department of Planning have ignored the concerns of
residents, local councils and the M5 East Air Quality and Community
Liaison Group who have all resoundingly rejected the plan. 

"The proposal will still see high levels of particulate matter spewed
out from tunnel portals for much of the day. 

"These fine particles have been dubbed the 'new asbestos' and have a
demonstrably negative impact on people's health. 

"Minister Roozendaal's support for this proposal reflects his position
and that of the RTA as 'filtration sceptics'. The RTA has ignored
independent expert advice that the $50 million would be better spent
completely filtering both tunnel portals. 

"Proper filtration of the M5 East tunnel could be achieved for $45
million, based on calculations for the construction, equipment and
installation costs of first rate filtration systems now operating in
Europe.

"$50 million is being wasted on this expensive and inadequate trial
which will only serve to shift pollution from inside the tunnel to local
communities in toxic doses. 

 "The Iemma government's arrogance and disregard for the health of
residents living near the M5 East tunnel is on complete display today,"
Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon – 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au