And Call for an Independent Investigation into Nitens Plantations Toxins Fears
www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today released their $1.3 million Taking Chemical Trespass Seriously: Protecting Tasmanians from Chemical Pollution policy commitment which will see a Chemical Trespass Unit established within the State’s Environment Protection Authority.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP also called for an independent investigation to be held into allegations that toxins associated with Eucalyptus nitens plantations are contaminating local water catchments.
“This investment of $1.3 million over three years will deliver a Chemical Trespass Unit to clean up Tasmania’s waterways and ensure that people are not drinking chemically contaminated water,” Mr McKim said.
“This is about clean drinking water, respect for our catchments and respect for our rivers, and an understanding that environmental health is linked to people’s health. It will also deliver for Tasmania’s producers in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors, and protect Tasmania’s clean, green brand.”
“Recent disturbing reports regarding toxins from nitens plantations demand a fully independent and urgent investigation independent from government as government is too close to the forestry industry.”
“Forestry Tasmania must open up its books as part of this investigation so we can understand who knew what and when about these disturbing contamination results.”
“Clean water is a fundamental and serious issue. We have seen mud coming out of taps in Campbell Town, and simazine has come out of the taps in Orford, and its time we looked after our catchments, looked after our rivers and looked after our people.”
“Only the Greens have a plan to clean up our water ways and clean up the water coming out of people’s taps.”
Highlights of the Greens’ Taking Chemical Trespass Seriously: Protecting Tasmanians from Chemical Pollution include:
þ Establish a Chemical Trespass Unit within the State’s EPA
þ Invest $1.3 million over three years
þ Legislate to make Chemical Trespass an offence
——————————————————————————–
Attached: Taking Chemical Trespass Seriously: Protecting Tasmanians from Chemical Pollution, launched by Nick McKim MP, February 2010.
Feb22_Chemical Trespass Unit Commitment_N McKim_ATTACH.pdf
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
