[Greens-Media] (Sylvia Hale MLC) Coramba Clean Up Money Welcome

[Christopher Holley]

Greens Welcome Coramba Clean Up Money 

Sylvia Hale, NSW Greens spokesperson on Planning and Local Government,
today welcomed the announcement of a grant of nearly one million dollars
to help Coffs Harbour Council clean up hydrocarbon contamination in the
village of Coramba, caused by a leak from a Shell service station.

Ms Hale, who visited Coramba in February and recently demanded in
parliament that Shell foot the bill said, “I’m pleased with the
announcement but I would like to see the remediation cash flowing as
soon as possible. I don’t see why it should take until April 2008 to
get to work on the clean-up.” 

“I also think tax payers should not have to pay all of the cost.
Shell should also be making a substantial contribution.”

“Congratulations to the Coramba residents for working together to
gain this welcome outcome. It’s a pity it took so long.”

The Greens had placed, through the parliament, dozens of questions to
the Minister for the Environment about what was being done to address
the contamination in Coramba. 

“I have been in touch with the residents and taking their concerns to
the parliament since I visited the site in February.

“While this announcement is good news, the Greens will continue to
keep a close eye on progress at Coramba.

“I will seek details of what the money will be used for and whether
it is enough to fully remediate the damage to the village.

“I am still extremely concerned about potential health effects on
residents. There are claims of rare autoimmune disorders and ‘cancer
clusters’. I will continue to push for monitoring of the health of
residents of Coramba, past and present.

Editors Note: Ms Hale’s speech to the parliament can be found at:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LC20070530045



Contact: Chris Holley on 02 9230 3030 or 0437 779 546