[Greens-Media] Media release: Black rain must be investigated urgently

[Vandeleur, Monique (Sen L. Waters)]

Senator Larissa Waters
Senator for Queensland

Media release

Monday, 25 November 2013

Black rain must be investigated urgently

The Newman Government must urgently investigate reports of black rain affecting Darling Downs communities living near CSG operations.

"Reports of a sticky black substance falling on family homes and vehicles near Tara and Chinchilla when wind blows from the direction of nearby gas wells are incredibly worrying," Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens mining spokesperson, said.

"Even more so are locals' accounts of health problems, including nausea, headaches and skin and eye irritation, following this black rain.

"The Newman Government must not rely on CSG companies' self monitoring - black rain needs a thorough, urgent and independent investigation.

"The health of Queenslanders must come before the private profits of the big mining companies.

"With safe, viable renewable alternatives on hand, the Newman Government has no excuse for putting the health of Queenslanders and our future food and water security at risk with CSG," Senator Waters said.

Contact - Monique Vandeleur 0419 626 725