[Greens-Media] Botany Bay dredging begins - environmental damage looms

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
19 August 2008

Botany Bay dredging begins - environmental damage looms

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says Ports Minister Joe Tripodi's announcement
that dredging is about to begin to accommodate the Port Botany expansion
is bad news for the environment risking tidal changes, disturbance to
fish and bird breeding grounds and the unleashing of the toxic plume at
the Orica site across Botany Bay.

"Dredging more than 7.5 million cubic metres from the site at Botany
Bay carries significant environmental dangers that could have been
avoided if the government has said 'no' to this ill-advised project," Ms
Rhiannon said.

"Dredging Botany Bay to make way for increased trade will disturb fish
breeding grounds, threaten internationally recognised waterbird habitat
and provide the opportunity for invasive pests like molluscs, worms and
algae to become established.

"The extensive works risk disturbing the toxic plume from the Orica
site which could spell disaster for the entire reach of Botany Bay.

"The Orica plume, steadily creeping towards Botany Bay, contains PCBs
* a group of toxic chemicals which accumulate in the food chain and
can adversely affect the environment and people's health.

"The works are so extensive that they will change tidal patterns,
threatening nesting grounds for birds by creating new wave patterns and
eroding Botany Bay beaches.

"Human impacts will also be felt with the start of these works.
Dredgers and bulldozers are permitted to work around the clock.

"The dredging of Botany Bay is just the start of a sore that will
fester with the Port Botany expansion * with increased construction
causing dust and noise, road traffic and rail freight.

"The expansion of Port Botany has been opposed by local residents, key
stevedoring firms like Patricks and P&O and the government's own
commission of inquiry.

"Port Kembla and Port Newcastle is where this expansion should have
occurred, delivering much needed economic benefits to these regional
areas," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568