Alison Bleaney A community based report on the risks of chemical usage in Tasmanian water catchments

The author argues that the authorities are ill prepared for chemical water contamination incidents and that they have failed to act on publicly funded professional advice from experts and community members during the past 3 years. Furthermore, dysfunction at local Council, State, and Federal Government levels indicates that water catchments and their ecosystems remain unprotected. These findings are highly significant not just for the North Eastern Tasmanian township of St Helens, the focus of the study, but also for other catchments within Tasmania and perhaps Australia as a whole.

(ABC Online:Community audit recommends improvements to water management)

Risk Awareness and Incident Response Capability in Water Catchments in North Eastern Tasmania, Australia
A Community Based Audit.
By Dr. Alison Bleaney O.B.E.
Upper Catchments Issues Tasmania Vol. 3 No. 3
ISSN 1444-9560

THIS paper reports on the findings of a 2 year study into the ability of official government bodies to identify and manage risks associated with chemical usage in our catchments. The paper proposes that chemical usage by forestry and agriculture, in particular, contribute to ongoing risks that require analysis and the design of mitigation strategies as yet unrealised.

The author argues that the authorities are ill prepared for chemical water contamination incidents and that they have failed to act on publicly funded professional advice from experts and community members during the past 3 years.

Furthermore, dysfunction at local Council, State, and Federal Government levels indicates that water catchments and their ecosystems remain unprotected. These findings are highly significant not just for the North Eastern Tasmanian township of St Helens, the focus of the study, but also for other catchments within Tasmania and perhaps Australia as a whole.

Recommendations for a new way forward are proposed.

The following is an extract from editorial comment of the audit:

The audit reported in this edition of the journal is significant for two reasons. First it lays bare both the complexity and extent of the risks associated with the use of man-made chemicals in catchments. The author, in successfully teasing out complex issues relating to legislation, water monitoring and toxicology, has been able to show the causes and consequences of dysfunction on the part of those responsible for human health.

The second significant contribution this audit makes concerns the ability of community members to take on complex and difficult issues. The work of the Break O’Day Catchment Risk Group has been outstanding. They have supported the excellent work of Dr. Bleaney, who continues to show leadership and vision. This contribution is, in our view, as significant and important as any other.

The audit abstract is available to view on the following link:
http://www.resource-publications.com.au/tos/data/uppercatchment/upper-catchment-18.html

The audit introduction is available to view on the following link:
http://www.resource-publications.com.au/tos/data/uppercatchment/upper-catchment-17.html

Copies of the audit, both hard and electronic, are available for purchase at:
http://www.resource-publications.com.au/uppercatchment/uciall.html

Break O’Day Catchment Risk Group
4 Bayview Avenue, Binalong Bay 7216
fax: 03 63768 351
email:[email protected]