ST HELENS businesses are threatening to sue doctor Alison Bleaney if her claim the town’s water is toxic is proved wrong.
They say the publicity has already put at risk a $12 million tourist development in St Helens.
Real estate agents have reported house sales falling through and oyster farmers are trying to reassure panicked customers from interstate and Asia that the shellfish is safe to eat.
But Dr Bleaney, who has research suggesting plantation eucalypts are releasing toxins into the town’s drinking water catchment, is unapologetic about her push to ensure safe drinking water.
“Any bad news of this type can affect businesses temporarily. However, I think when it’s looked at, the same scenario runs for many catchments in Tasmania and the mainland,” she said.
She said 44 out of 48 of Tasmania’s drinking water catchments, including Hobart’s and Launceston’s, were near plantations.
“I’m not saying they are absolutely affected, I’m not calling for the testing of all catchments, but I am suggesting to the Government it would be good to have a look,” she said.
Break O’Day Mayor Robert Legge, who owns a 600ha plantation at Fingal, again condemned Dr Bleaney’s actions.
“No I do not have an ulterior motive, I’m concerned about my community,” he said.
Read the full article in The Sunday Tasmanian, HERE
