WATER ASSURANCE HARD TO SWALLOW

 Media Release.

11 FEBRUARY 2013

Member for Rockhampton, Bill Byrne, said Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney should come to Rockhampton and tell locals in person that they have nothing to fear from the release of toxic mine water in the Fitzroy Basin.
“Through his weekend opinion piece printed in The Morning Bulletin the Deputy Premier in effect gave a written assurance that all was well with the water releases,” Mr Byrne said.
“Yet at the same time the Australian Financial Review was carrying a story that eight mines are being investigated for alleged breaches of conditions for toxic water releases.
“Mr Seeney was blatantly misleading us or he is hopelessly ill informed about what’s going on under his nose.
“He should come to Rockhampton and give his guarantees in person if he and his government have nothing to hide.
“People are right to ask if the water they are drinking has been affected by the release of mine water. Mr Seeney should come here and give them answers.”
Mr Byrne said the sacking of 400 staff from environmental roles by the Newman Government meant the mining industry now appeared to be policing itself when it came to monitoring and enforcing compliance with permits or authorities to release toxic water.
“This is the price residents of Rockhampton and throughout the Fitzroy Basin are paying for the LNP’s mass sackings,” he said.
“The State Opposition will soon be launching a petition calling on the government to establish a proper local steering committee that has local input and local experts and which also includes representatives of the agricultural sector,” he said.