[Greens-Media] Coal dust network 'rush' risks compromising quality of monitoring

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 28 May 2010

Coal dust network 'rush' risks compromising quality of monitoring

Greens MP and Hunter spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says Planning Minister
Tony Kelly should make sure that the push to quickly install coal dust
monitors, by suspending planning controls, does not overshadow managing
key issues such as securing their optimum locations, ensuring they
monitor dangerous fine particles and toxic dust and providing adequate
resources to assess results and prosecute offending mining companies
('Rush to introduce Hunter coal dust monitors', SMH, p 3,
http://tiny.cc/w85y0).

"There are still many unanswered questions about the scope and quality
of this monitoring network that must not be overlooked before they are
installed," Greens health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said.

"The government must ensure the network operates to world best
practice, delivering results that allow health impacts to be properly
assessed.

"Consultation with Hunter coal communities and local health experts
should not go out the window in the government's rush to manage high
levels of concern about the impacts of mining and power industries on
health.

"A NSW Health report on Hunter health released a fortnight ago revealed
higher rates of asthma and respiratory disease, cancer incidence and
mortality and death from cardiovascular disease. 

"It is imperative that top level data is collected from this network to
allow more research to establish if this is a link between poor health
outcomes and coal mining and power stations.

"Greens research shows Upper Hunter mining companies commonly breach
license conditions and are rarely subject to infringement notices or
prosecution.

"It’s time the government re-established a Department of Environment,
Climate Change and Water office in the region, following the closure of
the Muswellbrook EPA office.

"Further study is also needed to better understand the health
implications of mining and coal-fired power stations for water quality,
noise and vibration pollution and contamination of the food chain.  

'Ultimately the Keneally government must change its culture and act as
a defender of public health, not just a friend of the mining industry,"
Ms Rhiannon said. 
  
For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

Visit Lee’s Coal Health Study Now! site:
http://coalhealthstudynow.wordpress.com/ 



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t all days save Wed)
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