Environment.

There are many Watchdogs to advise government covering different areas, so we thought. Yet now it appears those without the knowledge, can ride rough shod over the top of Aboriginal Elders, and the EPA. Mr Barnett appears to believe his a law unto himself, thumbing his nose at government departments findings. The Environmental Protection Authority warned the location preferred by government, was unsuitable because it would pose unmanageable environmental risks.

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The EPA went on to say it would not be possible to keep gas, noise and other emissions from a hub at North Head, within acceptable limits. Developing at the site could mean up to 14 communities would need to relocate to prevent risks. The watchdog said the least "environmentally constrained" site on a short list of four on the Kimberly coastline was Gourdon Bay 70 km south-west of Broome.

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Fishing grounds and aboriginal heritage sites, Eco-tourism ventures would also be be effected by a hub at North Head. This area is significant for migrating, calving and resting for whales. Environmental issues should be placed ahead of a large scale industrial development, particularly when this development could go elsewhere. The premier has expressed his personal preference for sites without regard for established stakeholders, I would have to agree with Mr Ripper, Barnett has shown reckless disregard for the established stakeholder consultation process completely. These are not the actions of a premier considering the interests of the Traditional land Owners or environment.

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So to date what have taxpayers received from this accidental premier: Uranium mining and GM bans lifted, broken promises. Allowing Esperance Port Authority to train workers to sniff out toxic nickel, it doesn't seem to matter that it's a carcinogen. Ignoring recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry, headed by his own senior minister to investigate the impacts on the Esperance community and environment. The list goes on ........ this is not someone that has the best interests of the people at heart.

Bacteria Alert

A small article appeared last week commenting about the many pipes that deliver water to WA regions, and how they were lined with bacterial growths. It's been found that many of the state's pipelines were so long, that currant methods for disinfecting the water were not effective for their entire length.

The bacterial accumulation, called " biofilms", can contain pathogens such as ECOLI the same bug linked to food-poisoning outbreaks, and Naegleria fowleri, which causes amoebic meningitis.
Dr Plumb from the CSIRO stressed that the biofilms didn't pose an immediate health risk to regional water users as the water was re-disinfected. Possibly this could be the answer why we get a foul stench when turning on the tap or shower, to often for many peoples liking. It leaves the question are we still consuming these bugs and how many have been made ill?

Dr Plumb went on to say the national water regulations should be ammended to take note of bio-films. The latest water quality guidlines, published in 2004, do not mention them despite the fact that bio-films represent 95% of the living material found inside water pipes. How often are the pipes checked, or is this another " only if you have to", why are we paying such a high price for an poorly maintained product?

What Next With Our Water?

One wonders what the Water Corporation will try next.

They are still insisting WA has a grave water shortage. Water Corp intended to draw at least 140 gigalitres from the Gnangara mound this year, these plans were rejected amid concerns that wetlands across Perth could dry out as a result of the strain on the ground water system.


It's still being said it's not necessary to build the Binningup desalination plant, Water Corp have known for 5 years that water is available from Wellington Dam. Agritech a Perth based company presented their plans to Dr Gallop some year ago, it involved a gravity powered reverse osmosis plant and could have been the first of its kind. The plant would cost approximately $220 million to build which is less thanbe free and easy when it comes to spending tax payers money.

Spending 80 cents a kilolitre to treat the water instead of a forecasted $2.50 from Binningup desalination, you don't need to be an Einstein to work out what the public preference would be with the continued exorbitant price rises. Ground water levels were reported to be at their lowest due to the dry climate, yet Wellington Dam has over flowed 4 out of 5 years. So why do Water Corp prefer opening the sluice to dump water out to sea when this water could have been used? Then there is the other matter of tax payers money going out the window because the job of clearing at dams has been so lax, that only a minute amount of run off is entering the dams. a quarter of what would be spent with the Water Corporation's proposal. They appear to
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So why do the Department of Water want to SPEND $250,000 for an independent review, (another review) looking at alternative sources of potable water? If our potable water is so scarce why is industry been given the free reign, why aren't industry using recycled water? Who is the water at Wellington Dam being kept for? Why does water Corp want to inject recycled sewage into our drinking water? Maybe Mr Barnett can explain?

The farce with Water Corp has been going on and on, one has to wonder if they are capable of doing the job they are there to do? There have been many concerns about the environmental damage through the strain placed on the Gnangara mound, if the state government won't pull Water Corp into line it's time for the Federal Government to step in.

Just who is being protected?

Residents near Wagerup alumina refinery were told not to be concerned by a new report which finds some emissions may be affecting nearby communities. A new radar system found emissions from the refinery may extend for up to 5 kilometers under certain weather conditions, traveling very low to the ground.

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The DEC Air Quality branch say previous test on Alcoa's emissions have found volatile compounds are well below acceptable health limits. The DEC went on to say "these events have been going on presumably for many years" We would concur with that, as people living nearby have been getting ill for many years.
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How long did the government known about Wagerup problems and did nothing? Were they monitoring before they used the radar system or were they leaving the monitoring to Alcoa? Is the same stench coming from the plant in Kwinana? Who is doing the monitoring at Kwinana?
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The residents living near the Alcoa Wagerup refinery have science to back up their complaints regarding odours. The DEC say they are working with Alcoa to change the way it records the emissions, and to ensure they have minimal impact on the communities. Alcoa need to more than change the way they record their emissions, they need to use the latest technology and cut the emissions.


The DEC now comments that the liquor burner will only destroy the specific compounds when it's operating at the correct temperature. It's also known Wagerup have had problems for years maintaining the liquor burner temperature. And we have heard that Alcoa Kwinana has also had similar problems. We have all know this for years. Why weren't the DEC doing something since community reps pointed it out to them many years ago and many times over many years.

Just who is protecting the community - certainly not the departments that are paid to.

It's time government departments made up their minds who they're paid to protect.

What next from Water Corp?

People are curious as to weather the new water minister (Mr Jacobs) will do the right thing by the people. Labor turned a blind eye to using Wellington Dam as a source for drinking water, even after their pathetic excuses were ignored by the public. At least Mr Jacobs has recognised the South-West's biggest water source would probably be needed as a potable water source before 2015. It's a total waste to be pumping potable water out to sea, or seeing the dam overflow 5 out of 6 years, yet the people were told it no longer rains in the south-west.


Mr Coyne had previously shown the labor government how his company could produce potable drinking water through reverse-osmosis, but Water Corp were insistant that another desalination plant was the answer. It was quite obvious Water Corp saw a way to charge the public through the nose, we pay usage quarterly plus rates, just where is that money going?? The amount of pipes that have burst through lack of maitenance or not being replaced when needed, does anyone know what their doing.

When will the public get the truth about where the water will come from to supply two water guzzling industries under constrution in the south-west? The Water Corporation recently stated they need more water from the Gnangara mound, despite repeated warnings wetlands across Perth could die because of the strain on the ground water system.

They believe they'll require just over 140 GL from "Gnangara" this financial year. If they had carried out their job in clearing under growth at the dams, so the run-off could enter the dams there wouldn't be these problems. Instead it seems its easier to create irrepairable damage to the mounds, wetlands and aquifers and call it Global Warming. Maybe its time to tell Rudd to close the door to immigrants and refugees because we can't sustain those already here.

Air Pollution monitoring questioned

Wonders will never cease, how did a company accused of doctoring lab reports in NSW get a contract to adjust pollution monitors at WA's most controlversial industrial plant, Wagerup? The Department of Environment and Conservation (surprise, surprise) have pleaded ignorance. The Sunday Times pointed out that the company New Environmental Quality was under investigation in NSW for allegedly downplaying emission test results.

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NSW is the state that WA on occassion have approached for information and guidence. By Alcoa's own admission in regard to monitoring have fudged the figures here in WA, this is why we believe there should be independant monitoring. Why place the wolf in the chicken house, where is the duty of care?

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.New EQ last year was contracted to calibrate and ensure the proper functioning of pollution monitoring equipment at the Wagerup refinery's power station between September 24 to October 27. The Wagerup refinery has been in the spot light due to health complaints from nearby residents , who say their health problems are associated with environmental pollution.

In NSW New EQ is being investigated after levels of toxic chemicals, such as arsenic were lowered in reports prepared in July 2006 for the Blue Circle Southern Cement factory in Berrima. BSCS agreed it has asked for changes to the report to be conducted, but had insisted the process was transparent. The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change wrote in August 2007 that as a result of the changes, it had little confidence in monitoring reports prepared by NewEQ for the Berrima plant.

A nearby resident to Wagerup Mr Llewellyn, was alarmed that NewEQ was engaged at Wagerup to operate. He found it extraordinary this company would be allowed to operate in WA when it's under investigation. He also believes if there is any doubt about the integrity of the companies that have calibrated the machines, then equipment needs to be reviewed by an independant party. The cement company have since lost their license, it's time for the WA environmental minister to redo the monitoring at Wagerup for the safety of the people.

.Now that these points have been raised with NATA they have now claimed NewEQ's indiscretions took place prior to accreditation which was in February 2006.They are claiming that NATA has received no information to date that suggests that the company was carrying out fraudulent activity while being a NATA member. The allegedly doctored reports are dated May 23, 2006, and questions tabled in NSW Parliament on November 29, 2007 revealed the NSW environment department had informed NATA of it's NewEQ investigation.

The questions remain is this a company that should be doing monitoring in this state, and were they under investigation at the time of carrying out monitoring at Wagerup power station?

Services close to collapse.

We have continually been given the figures in relation to what industry need to continue with their avarice profit margin, why haven't the needs of the people of this state been taken into account? The accidental premier rambles on about the needs of infrastructure for industry to expand and export more yet when it come to having the needs met for the health of this state, it seems it's to expensive.

.A Cancer Council-commissioned audit, prompted by patient complaints and funded partly by the WA Health Dept, warns that unless urgent action is taken the system could collapse within five years as it struggles to cope with an estimated 50,000 new cancer cases on top of the existing load. Why is there no money to purchase a new Pet Scanner to replace the old machine recently retired, just what sort of a budget did Mr Ripper devise?

The recent report by University of New South Wales professor Barton of radiation oncology, found that while cancer treatment in WA was usually of a high standard,Inadequate facilities and Staff shortages were major concerns. It also warned the new cancer facilities such as those planned for the Fiona Stanley hospital would not meet the demand.

It was warned that WA faced 10,000 new cancer cases a year, rising by three to four per cent a year but facilities and equipment were unable to cope. Urgently needed equipment included five extra linear accelerators used for radiation therapy. Facilities in public hospitals for chemotherapy patients were over-crowded, with patients often waiting many hours to be seen by a junior doctor. Treatment areas at RPH were described as dangerously over-crowded. When the state was cut to one Pet Scanner, a department commented that some patients would need to go east for treatment. How consoling, as if finding out you had cancer wasn't bad enough. Just where is the money to come from to fly east, or will Mr Ripper let people borrow from his piggy bank?

I find this contemptable of any government, in WA ministers harp on about how we're the boom state and our driving economy, how the north -west is propping up the country. Yet we can't afford the medical equipment and personnel to do the right thing by the people of this state, who work long hours and pay their taxes. Shame on you Mr Carpenter and the labor party.

Muddled ministers

It seems ministers are getting anxious over the proposed emissions trading scheme and the potential risk, to the liquidfied natural gas industry. One senior minister described it as gross incompetence. The industry have claimed that up to $100 billion in investments could be jeopardised if it also, did not get the compensation that would be given to heavy polluters.

Well they have threatened the usual with job losses and taking their business off shore etc. Under the proposed emissions trading scheme, so-called emissions intensive trade-exposed industries would get free permits to prevent the cost of their products rising signicificantly.

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The heaviest polluters, such as cement and aluminium manufacturers getting about 90% of their permits free, because they emitted less than 2000 tonnes of carbon dioxide for every $1million in revenue they earned. Those emitting between 1500 and 2000 tonnes per$1million would get approximately 60% of their permits free.
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Those devising the scheme thought that LNG producers would qualify for at least some support, but as it turns out they don't qualify for even the lower threshold because the industry has cleaned itself up since 2001-2002. It must buy all permits, which would cause the price of gas to rise.

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The way it comes across, is those cleaning themselves up will pay for doing so. Naturally so their profit margins are kept where they would like, increases will be passed onto the consumer or tax-payer. So just how are industry being encouraged to cut emissions, heavy emitters are receiving free permits and those not being given freebies pass the costs onto us? Is there one minister that can explain where carbon emissions are being cut, or are they all totally confused and going to continue with their smoke and mirrors?

The Nation of Taxes

We live in a country that taxes its pay-as-you-earn workers to such an extent, that their generally paltry pay rises leave them trailing further and further behind those who have chosen not to be carers in our society. What chance do nurses, teaches and our police as an example have, in trying to secure a decent future?
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Despite the fact that the resources fuelling our latest boom come from soil on which we all tread, only those in the right positions are gaining....and gaining enormously.If we look to other countries and their tax systems ie Finland, it taxes all its people a flat rate of 50 cents on every dollar. No GST and no Medicare levy no taxes on your taxes, no extra for education and health.
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Their government use their money wisely and provides systems that are world class, so all Australians should be asking our government just where has the multiple taxes collected been spent? Here we face an average of 30-35 per cent income tax, 3-10 per cent health insurance and levies, 10 per cent GST and at least 4% on other government charges in the form of stamp duty, registration insurance, surcharges and excise not forgetting how water and power have increased 9 and 10 per cent .
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It's no wonder people are struggling to make ends meet, particularly as there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. The Australian government don't seem to be aware of what a true GST is, other countries can make it work so why not Australia?

Sewage as fertiliser

There have been serious concerns from Lake Clifton residents, in regard to the Water Corporation dumping 800 tonnes of treated sewage each week onto a pine plantation near by. Where are the studies to prove that the sewage won't contaminate the groundwater, why didn't the Water Corp see the necessity to contact the Federal Environment Department seeing as this comes under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999..?
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The commonwealth must approve activities that affect internationally protected wetlands, national heritage or world heritage places.Threatened species, ecological communities, migratory species or in Commonwealth marine areas. Why do the Water Corp believe they are a law unto themselves, why are you permitting them to do as they please Mr Templeman?

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The Water Corporation have been using treated waste or bio-solids as a soil conditioner in the pine plantation. Sounds like the "Red Mud" affair all over again, farmers are aware of the damage that created to different paddocks and livestock. Residents have every right to be concerned, although the DEC assured them no nutrients would enter the ground water. Where is the proof or study carried out, these people don't want assurances they need facts and to know the aquifer that's relied upon for drinking water, won't be contaminated.

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There is the possibility of nutrients flowing into the Peel-Yalgorup lakes system, the impact witnessed in other areas where nutrients enter the lakes, rivers or water-ways has proved devastating and costly. It's against the law for others to pollute rivers or water-ways, why doesn't it apply to the Water Corporation?
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It was admitted by waste water manager, the waste had a smell and represented a germ risk if it was touched in the days after it was spread. It's not assuring to know that it doesn't contain high levels of heavy metals, it still contains enough. There has been no mention of the pathogens it contains and how they can't be destroyed. There was also no mention of the Strombolites, which are living rocks that grow about 1mm a year. The nutrients and bacteria can destroy these marvels that have taken thousands of years to get where they are today, yet because of incompetence they can be destroyed in a matter of days.

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Our water sources are a precious commodity to this state, its time someone was placed in charge

that will abide by the law and protect the things that are precious to this state and future generations.

Waste Neglect

It appears no response is forth coming from the Environment Minister or his department, as it was over 3-4 months ago letters were sent. Instead EMRC and Southern Metropolitan Regional Council will share in a grant of $ 35,520 to commission a study into a pilot program for the collection and recycling of electronic waste. Also ERMC won $95,000 from Strategic Waste Initiative Scheme to trial a third household rubbish bin to collect organic waste.

There are many who believe that industrial hazardous waste and having a safe area for its storage is far more important, until a safe disposal is organised. It should not be about what is more convenient and cheaper to industries or the waste company's. It was never explained why the 3C were disbanded before completion of the project, which they were assigned to carry out thanks to Mr McGowan.

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Our state was set to receive three hazardous waste precincts with state-of-the-art treatment facilities, designed to avoid a repeat of the Bellevue chemical fire in 2001 and the Brookdale fiasco in 2003. Just where are the priorities of this government, or are previous comments that this priority of Premier Gallop, was dead in the water?
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It can only come across that this government condone the dumping of this hazardous waste at sites not licensed to accept it.

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The 3C took their job seriously taking all communities into consideration but there had been another 12-18 months to run. Approximately $2 million had been spent exploring hundreds of possible locations, and consulting with communities all over the state.

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So how does Mr Templeman or Mr Carpenter explain such neglect to an area so important as Hazardous Waste?

Priorities

I'm find it unbelievable how government continually waste money. Mr McGinty thought nothing of spending approximately $280,000 on brochures, being sent to households in the metro areas to sing his own praises. There are those that have named it "election propaganda" which most would agree with, the people have received nothing but a continued failure to improve our health system.

Mr McGinty also commented that the money came from the Health Department budget, when will politicians realise that we aren't interested in paying for their spin. Money in the Health budget should be spent on rectifying existing problems, Mr McGinty's main objective should be to seeing that people receive the treatment needed and to cut the waiting lists. The health system has been failing the people of this state for too long, it's about time the government were held answerable.

The AMA have come out with their concerns on the hospital waiting times as well as chronic overcrowding. It was estimated by Dr Mountain that there were 150 extra deaths in 2003, when access block was running at 25-30 per cent. If a linear calculation was done, that is 250-300 extra deaths a year occurring in WA now. So why is the best Mr McGinty can do is waste money from the health budget on brochures instead of assisting the people that need help.

To Be Or Not

The WA watchdog wants water privatised, so is it a matter of here we go again? We heard all the hype when the government announced breaking up Western Power, all that amounted to was increased costs to the WA tax payers. The service was far from improved and definitely not cheaper, as well as Verve being kept afloat to the tune of a million dollars.

While many agree a major over haul is needed within Water Corp, its also time industries started to pay their fair share, instead of receiving water at a minimal price. It is a precious resource and industries that are known to be water guzzlers should be paying for their own desalination plants or other sources.


I was amazed when speaking to people from the northern areas that they weren't aware that their taxes went towards paying for the KWRP line, with more to come. Why do we subsidise industries with water, power and gas, it seems clear consumers are paying industries in more ways than one to invest in our state. They are making huge profits to send off shore, we are left with huge holes, toxic sites, flattened Forrest's and heavy pollution without going into other areas of destruction.

The government's economic regulator wants to encourage private investors into the market, and lower costs by taking assessment and approval of sources away from the Water Corporation. As for Mr Rowe from the ERA and comments of going down the same path as the deregulated energy sector, to encourage private bulk water suppliers into the market, using the energy sector as an example is a poor choice. The energy breakup has caused nothing but expense and hardship for the people of WA, we receive nothing but increases from both government and industry.


West Australian
Mr Rowe believed that there was a perceived conflict of interest in the corporation identifying and approving new water sources. "In some ways there are insufficient checks and balances on the Water Corporation, at the moment the consumers bear all the risks. All costs get passed on in tariffs one way or another, they don't necessarily look for the most efficient."


If the water corp aren't able to manage the maintenance of our dams, or be open in regard to Wellington Dam which over flowed 4 out of 5 years, holds more water than all the metro dams together. Yet for some reason the water is being pumped out to sea, instead of using reverse osmosis and pumping it to the Harvey Dam. Having an in dependent entity to also consider the water needs and concerns of the people of the state, would make a nice change.

Behind The Times

We continually hear of staff shortages in government areas, so are the required follow ups on certain stipulations within licenses been carried out? Do the qualified people still exist within the departments or are industry been left unchecked? Is the continuous monitoring and conformity being carried out at NuFarm as an example, or will we hear the same tired excuses?

A worrying aspect for communities is the company NuFarm that deep-well injects waste, containing herbicides and pesticides chemicals, it was believed their license at the time was meant only to be temporary. With the closure of Brookdale waste facility, the 3C had the job of finding areas where the waste could be stored safely until disposed of.

The Department of Environment at the time had said they believed that deep-well injection was "relatively safe" but they would not allow any other company to do the same. NuFarm has been carrying out this practice since 1984, temporary should not mean finding the cheapest way for this company to dispose of waste. They should be concerned about doing it the safest way possible. The government have shown just how irresponsible they are by permitting the company to dispose of waste in this way. So where is the waste from other companies that used Brookdale being stored..?

Just what does "relatively safe" mean, we just hope for the best..? It's been said NuFarm have been working with the DEC to find a long term solution, possibly Mr McGowan should also be in the mix as he was the one to remove the 3C before they had completed their task. Can NuFarm prove the plume under Kwinana was not part of their doing through seepage? Has any significant bore maintenance been carried out ?

It's been 24 years still no solutions, even after it was said it was not an acceptable way to go in this day and age. Where are the studies to show what NuFarm are doing is safe, or can they produce scientific data showing there will be no critical impact in the near future ?

Who's looking after the future?

The government have a strange way of protecting the people or country, we have approximately five years to buy a hybrid car and install a solar hot water system on our roof. Just how are the people that are struggling to pay their mortgage going to get the extra money, not forgetting the obscene increases on water, gas and power.

We're asked to cut our usage of gas and power because industry are having a hard time, I find that hypocritical when it comes to our utilities the public pay top dollar yet big industry pay a pittance. Why is government subsidising industry in gas, power and water so they will invest and pollute our country?

Large emitters who export much of their products and send profits off shore, such as Alcoa aluminium smelters, will be almost totally exempted from the ETS from the outset.These emissions-intensive trade-exposed companies will be given free trade carbon permits to cover 90% of their emissions. How is that cutting the carbon output?

WWF Greg Bourne said "handing Alcoa 90% of permits to pollute for free, sent a shocking message" on the importance of reducing carbon emissions. In all 20% of the scheme's permits will be free, rising to 30% once agriculture is included. For those not emitting quite as much will be given free permits to cover 60% of their pollution.

The cement and lime producers and integrated steel and silicon smelters as well as Alcoa's aluminium smelters , are the very industries that should enforce carbon credits not carrying on about pulling their investments. They should be investing in the future .

The Overdue State.

Again the West Australian public witness just how well our Government Departments are working. No wonder they call us the Wait Awhile state


The crucial report into the management of Perth's biggest source of drinking water is more than two years over due. Which isn't really surprising. Have the water corporation exceeded the safe limits imposed on the Gnangara Mound?


The Department of Water and the Department of Environment and Conservation - DEC have once again failed to protect our environment and natural resources. Compliance with ministerial conditions from 2003-04 to 2005-06 is likely to repeat major concerns, about over reliance on the already stressed aquifer, not forgetting the breaches of ministerial conditions imposed to protect the Mound.


The report should contain long-overdue essential water planning information which is needed before summer. Previous audits by the EPA have warned that allocations from the mound needed to be reviewed urgently. The government are seriously letting the people down, why has no action been taken to reduce allocations and planning or on failures to comply with ministerial conditions?

For an environmental Minister to make such a flippant remark re: the report "It would not contain information which will make a difference to the state of the mound'' If he was doing his job and seeing to it that ministerial compliance were adhered to, instead of just accepting that ho-hum it will just reinforce the fact that conditions are again being exceeded. It's time for this Governemnt to to start doing its job and protect the mound and look to other areas for water.



How can this government be representing the people of this state when they neglect to listen?

How many government departments actually do what they are employed to do?


We rely on them in so many areas environment, health, education, water, power, gas, housing (releasing land), infrastructure etc. and what we mostly get is failure after failure.

It Was Once a Jewel

The loss of wild life in Cockburn Sound has been obvious for some time, who ever carried out the environmental study before the desalination plant was built, would or should have been aware of the effects and impact to The Sound.

The Dolphins have been disappearing for over two years as well as the different species of fish, the sea grasses had been diminishing long before yet we are still to hear from Cockburn Sound Management Council about existing or increased problems that are responsible.

The minister for fisheries has blamed recreational fishing for the decrease in fish and crab populations, his solution was to ban crabbing and restrict demorsal catches. It is our belief the real reason for the demise is the destruction of the sea grass meadows and spawning grounds which were the nurseries for these specific species also pollutants from industry would have had a devastating effect.

The Sound was once referred to as the Jewel in the crown, in Rockingham our beaches were pristine and the water most times was crystal clear, in certain areas you could see the sea grasses with fish of all sizes darting about even crabs.

With the habitat and sea grasses disappearing, due to the desalination plant and industry discharge, as well as the dredging of shell sands by Cockburn Cement we believe these could be the major reasons why the wild life is disappearing . With Mr Kale saying "he hasn't seen a dolphin in the area for two years" why isn't Cockburn Sound Management Council or DEC coming out with an explanation? I just hope they don't blame it on global warming, that is one excuse that won't be believed.

With the dolphins now staying out to sea and steering clear of the area, the question has to be asked if all is well within the waters of The Sound, why are the dolphins steering clear? How safe is the water for the public, pets or horses to be swimming in?

For sometime complaints have been made about jet-skies and boats going to close and hitting dolphins, but this again comes down to the department doing more than installing signs. Seeing as the government of the day saw fit to install multiple industries in The Sound, all governments should make certain that CSMC, are given adequate funding to properly take care of what is precious to many instead of begrudging every dollar needed to do their job properly.

The state government makes large annual profits from the strip it's about time they put back into the area instead of just take, particularly towards protecting The Sound for future generations. Is industrialisation to be the demise of The Sound?

Health

There just aren't appropriate words to describe our so called health system, in the *Boom* state. Very little time goes by without hearing more horror stories. Just what is the health minister Mr McGinty doing if anything, to rectify these on going problems?

Thursday with a letter from his GP stating that Mr Webster an 80 year old veteran needed urgent attention , SCGH obliged by having him wait over 17 hours for a bed. Mr Webster has since received an apology, but the heath department and government need to take a long hard look at themselves because this isn't a one off incident. The staff can only do so much, how long has Mr McGinty been promising more doctors and nurses?

It was reported that more than 22 patients a day including urgent cases such as those with suspected heart attacks or pneumonia, have been leaving the emergency departments of Perth's five big hospitals without being treated.

Figures have shown in the past 12 months 8,134 patients attended the ED's but were not seen by a doctor. These figures were obtained by the West Australian through the FOI, based on the
12 months till the end of April '08.

Last Thursday a young man who through a workplace accident, had to wait with severed parts of his fingers on ice for 28 hours in the emergency department at RPH. Just what chance does he have, of his fingers being viable to be re-attached. When finally getting a ward bed and prepared for surgery, it was delayed. Followed by being transferred to The Mount hospital for surgery at approximately midday yesterday (Saturday), the trauma this young 19 year old has suffered is horrific. It's time someone was held accountable Mr Carpenter this has been going on for far too long.

It's not bigger and better that the people require with hospitals, all we want is a system that works, with updated equipment and staff. The PET scanner that has retired, Mr Ripper should have done his budget and been aware that it was going to be up for replacement. People with cancer can't afford to be flying east for cancer scans, they have enough bills just trying to exist. I would like to see how Mr Ripper does the state budget, if this is an example were in deep trouble what else has he forgotten?

UPDATE: The young man that had finger tips severed in a work place accident appeared on the news tonight to tell his side of the story. The people of WA should be even more disgusted in our health system if that's possible. He was transferred from Pinjarra hospital to RPH, after his extended wait he was taken to theatre 3 times only to be returned to his room. Someone had already decided they would not attempt to re attach his finger tips.

When he was finally transferred to the Mount hospital, it was because his employer decided to pay for a private hospital to treat his employee. This is a disgusting state of affairs, just when will this government attempt to fix the health system, NO more excuses. Where are the peoples' taxes going or the $150 million that came from the federal government.? No problems you say Mr McGinty, what would you call the recent events? Just when do you become accountably to patients of this state?

Green or Brown

Well I suppose it should come as no surprise that President Bush has made it clear the US Government are postponing any regulatory action on greenhouse gas emissions, believed to be responsible for global warming. To cite "the complexity and magnitude" of the issue, is nothing but an excuse in my opinion. How long have the world known about global warming, just what will it take before they act upon the information?

http://www.abc.net.au The decision last year from the US Supreme Court ruled that the US EPA must devise ways to regulate green-house gas emissions from motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. The delay, observers indicate, means that any substantive regulatory actions will be almost certainly left to the next administration.

In a political blow to Mr Bush, the Supreme Court ruled in April 2007 that the EPA must consider greenhouse gases as pollutants and deal with them.

As for the fossil fuel industry and it's carbon intensive allies, lobbying the Rudd government to minimise or eliminate any impact on their sales and profits from an emissions trading scheme just what part don't they understand about our planet being in trouble. The election promise labor made should be adhered to, we will have 20% of our energy coming from renewable sources by 2020, there should be no stalling of green energy as some would have it.

http://www.lowcarbonfuture.org.au/ Industries such as aluminum and steel export their product and argue the extra costs of an Australian emissions trading scheme will make them less competitive in their international market, if other firms don't incur similar costs. They want free permits or compensation. What it boils down to is they want high profit margins but don't wish to bear the responsibility and share the costs for their part in global warming.

Bets at Aussies expense.

Recently at a state conference Mr Carpenter said the extensive uranium deposits would stay in the ground in WA, he did the right thing by continuing what Dr Gallop put in place some years ago. I found the actions of the Canadian and Japanese mining companies to be one of arrogance.

The Canadian and Japanese mining giants placing bets on a change of government Perth now , shows how sure they are, of what will eventuate if a liberal government is elected. They care nothing for this state, their only interest is the money they will make. They will rape this land of what ever they can get, in return we end up with another hole in the ground and a radio-active waste dump.

Mr Rudd has more questions to answer here, why are foreign countries been given controlling rights for vast uranium deposits in the Pilbra region of this state? Western Australia and Queensland are the only two states with with the strongest opposition to uranium mining and aren't prepared to enter the nuclear waste cycle. Mr Rudd also hasn't explained how foreigners can enter our country and buy land, yet we are not able to purchase land in their country!

For those that are interested in forming their own opinion go onto ANAWA (A Hard Rain), expose the myths of the nuclear cycle from uranium mining to nuclear power to waste and weapons.

How Does One Get Sleep ??

To those as promised,remember noise is a complicated matter; When experiencing the continual problems in regard to NOISE, it's up to the DEC officers to attend and monitor, they are the one's being paid to do so. It's time to start getting them out of their warm beds, I'm sure they'll be happy to oblige.

Noise is defined in the Noise Act to include vibration of any frequency, whether transmitted through air or any other physical medium. Noise is Pollution - direct or indirect that cause alterations to the Environment. *Noise-Sensitive premises, eg residences.

The assigned levels have been carefully designed to ensure that noise levels vary depending on the time of day, being lower at at night when people are more sensitive to noise. (And Would Appreciate some Sleep) The problem we have , it seems the DEC neglected to inform industry about being compliant.

The Compliance is, "noise emitted from any premises when received at other premises must not cause, or significantly contribute to a level of noise which exceeds the assigned level". Regulations state that the noise charter must be "free" of annoying characteristics, namely- Tonality; Whining; Droning; Modulation; Impulsiveness,eg banging and thumping.

This should apply to the running of the conveyor belts and associated belt warning signals

( alarm) at CBH, or any other company using this type of equipment impeding on communities quality of life. We not only have concerns for communities health but also workers.

www.buzzle.com

Effects of Noise Pollution; it has already been stated that continuous exposure to noise pollution leads to hearing impairment but it has various other effects as well.

* It can result into increased BLOOD PRESSURE
* INCREASED STRESS * STOMACH ULCERS *VERTIGO *HEADACHES * ANNOYANCE
* SLEEP DISTURBANCES *SPEECH PROBLEMS * AGGRESSION *ANXIETY
* WITHDRAWAL *DYSGRAPHIA, which means writing and learning impairment.
* FATIGUE

Industrial Noise adversely affects the workers and they can suffer from various health problems. High volume leads to increased adrenaline levels, which leads to the constriction of blood vessels if individuals are tense or anxious. Statistically there has been a considerable increase in the number of workers dying from cardiac arrests, Cerebral attacks are on the increase considerably due to industrial noise pollution in different areas.

Water Corp Again

A section of the Southern River at Brookdale has been closed after a huge sewage spill. Approximately 700,000 litres of sewage spilled into the river on Monday night when a pipeline burst while being fixed by the Water Corporation.

This is starting to be like the "Never Ending Story", true its not the same line each time but just where is the money from annual yearly rates collected being spent by Water Corp?
Would it possibly be because the sewage line has gone past it's use by date that so many problems are coming to light, not so long ago it was a line in Belmont so who's next.

How old are the CBD lines, are they next to be flooded in sewage, does the Water Corp believe in preventative maintenance or any maintenance for that matter. How many burst water pipes have been experienced ? Or do they wait till it burst then carry out band-aid solutions? We keep hearing from this government how things are to expensive to fix, so just on what or where is the surplus from this state being spent on?

Democracy does it exist?

As reported on Perthnow yesterday, "Reporter Paul Lampathakis was warned he could be jailed unless he reveals his sources for a story which led to a police raid on the newspaper's office. The Sunday Times reporter appeared before a parliamentary select committee hearing into the April 30 raid. Mr Lampathakis was asked three times to name the whistleblower and three times he refused to answer".

Just how many politicians realise that it's the job of a reporter to report the news and endevour to keep the people informed regarding the public purse. What happened to Mr Lampathakis is wrong by any standards, to threaten him with jail if he doesn't reveal his sources is nothing but a bullying tactic.

As well you may ask, just how are these politicians representing the public by their action or closer to the point, what are they trying to keep from the public? There are those that need to realise some people do have ethics and they would get a lot further if they adopted some of their own.

How can Mr Lampathakis be in contempt of parliament when our public officials have also been untruthful to parliament, yet they weren't fined or jailed aren't they suppose to be the example. To impose jail or a fine on Mr Lampathakis would be the height of hypocrisy.

The people of this state have been fed the boom for breakfast, lunch and tea, so where has the money gone, why haven't there been significant changes to the increasing problems that exist within this state? This government have gone way beyond themselves, they have forgotten who they are suppose to represent.

The issue of Freedom of The Press is very important to the people, the shield law should have been past long before now, at least we know reporters are held accountable by the editor. Which is far more than can be said for public officials, seeing as we have to wait to vote them out. This parliamentary select committee how can they be un-biased?

To use the police in this manner was abuse, the only interest by government was to find out who was the whistle blower, the police are there to remove criminals and keep the law. I'm absolutely disgusted a government can place their own needs above the people they represent.

As for a government that's "open and accountable" when and to whom?

Our Environment

English Scientists are advocating more research into the possible links between environmental pollution and type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. The Korean scientists found people were more at risk of diabetes if they were thin with high levels of POP's in their blood, than if they were over weight but with low levels of POP's


The British medical journal "Lancet" Dr's Jones and Griffin highlighted the need to research the possible link between persist ant organic pollutants, (POP's) and insulin resistance, which can lead to adult onset diabetes.

POP's is a group of chemicals which includes many pesticides such as dieldren, DDT, toxaphene and chlordane and several industrial chemical products or byproducts including polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB's, dioxins and furans. Correlation does not automatically imply causation, but if there is a link the health implications could be tremendous.

There has been almost no consideration in the past for the possible influence of environmental factors such as pollution. POP's came into prominence as effective pesticides with the introduction of DDT in the 1940. But many of these chemicals including DDT fell out of favour after the were blamed for the declining number of wild birds and other animals and the possible negative human health effects.

The Stockholm convention, an international treaty banning a dozen of the worlds most dangerous POP's that took effect in May 2004 has helped reduce exposures, but many such chemicals remain in use even those that have been banned may linger in the environment for years.


Once released POP's can travel long distances in the atmosphere before they are deposited on land or in water.Humans can be exposed to POP's through diet, occupational accidents and the environment. As these compounds biodegrade slowly, they continue to find their way into the food chain and ultimately into the blood streams of individuals.


This should give our government reason for serious thought when it comes to food grown here in Australia. Particularly notice should be given to foods that are entering through Free Trade Agreements, one container being check out of five is pathetic. Food imports are being permitted in from countries that don't pass our food standards, the sea foods that are grown in the "Mekong" delta and in Ti water ways are no different from growing in a sewer.


As an example chlordane was banned two decades ago in the United States but continue to be present at high levels in the US food supply. It is well documented that POP's can cause negative health effects.The US Environmental Protection Agency states that the pesticide chlordane eg. can cause cancer, can lead to behavioral disorders in children if exposed before birth or while nursing, harms the endocrine system, nervous system, digestive system and liver.

Post Office

Someone in the Post Office deserves a star above:

Our 14 year old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she died, our 4year old daughter was crying and talking about how much she missed her. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. She dictated these words.

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my Dog Abbey? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven, I love her so very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog, even though she got sick. I hope that you will play with Abbey, she likes to play ball and swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.

We placed the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God in Heaven. We placed our return address on the back, then Meredith pasted several stamps onto the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots to get all the way to heaven.
That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet, I told her that I thought he had.

Today there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed To Meredith, in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it, inside was a book by Mr Rogers called, "When a Pet Dies". Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith, and this note.

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognised Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick any more, her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.
Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep, and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for your beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you to write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have, I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find I am where ever there is love.
Love, God.

Frustrations

I can understand why so many are fed up with hearing about the 'Boom' of a life time. Just what does it equate to for your average West Aussie? When summer arrived the public were told not to use air-conditioners, and limit power usage between 3-6pm because of a shortage of electricity.


The water problems had started some years previously when water restrictions were put in place, there were a variety of reasons given. Where we actually given the true facts of the situation? Enter the carbon neutral desalination plant , run from the wind farm at Emu Downs. (Totally untrue)

Now in Winter we're told to cut the use of gas and electricity for heating, 2 minute showers etc because of the gas explosion. Why haven't the government explained why they didn't have a back up contingency plan, in this gas rich state? They are quick to take from the tax payers, when it comes to parting or spending our hard earned taxes on what the people require to make this state function it's too expensive.

The hospital and health crisis is no better or any closer to being resolved, even with all the promises and hot air announcements. What happened to all the new (qualified) doctors and where have the nurses gone?Only last week doctors from a major hospital were threatening to walk out in mass, due to the long hours expected of them.

Our police and teachers are limited and underpaid for what's expected of them, and definitely treated with indifference. A flash new police station does not make crime go down, we need adequate police to cover the areas before they can make a difference..

Our taxes are among the highest in the country, the people expect to see problems being corrected or rectified not covered up. Now all utilities are to increase by approximately 10%, most things necessary to survive are being increased in price, except wages. The only "Boom" most experience in WA is the cost of living.

As Expected

On one hand business have said they back carbon trading, followed by "We won't foot the bill".

This was the blunt message from big business, this was their message a day before

Professor Garnaut delivers his report on the impact of an emissions trading scheme.

Greig Gailey from the Business Council in Sydney, addressed the CEDA or Committee for the Economic Development of Australia to inform them that businesses and industry can't be expected to absorb the inevitable higher energy costs. He said that consumers, households, other businesses and government should prepare to pay more,when business is forced to pass on additional costs.

Because the cost of purchasing carbon credits will fall to business in the first instance, they can not be expected to absorb these costs. Business will respond in the usual way by increasing the costs. He went on to say " Efforts to force business to absorb these cost or to limit the extent to which business can pass on carbon costs will only result in less investment, fewer jobs and lower growth". It seems each time something comes along that isn't to the multi nationals liking, we hear that same phrase or similar.

`

Instead of companies being more worried about earning what they refer to as an adequate return on their investment . Isn't it time to take a step back and look at damage already done. We should all be prepared to do our part including our government, where are the renewable energies? Global Warming didn't just appear, other countries had already started working on and installing solar installations, and wind farms as well as new technologies.

Australia should be working on existing problems to which there are many, not allowing more companies to rape our country sending profits off shore. When they have taken all the resources and gone, just what will be left for the future generations of Australia?

Limited Future ?

To date there have been many reports regarding Climate Change, the question remains does our government realise just how serious the situation is? It's believed the currant target of a 60% cut by 2050 is unlikely to be effective.

New research warns measures to cut geenhouse gases need to be increased to keep temperatures increases below dangerous levels. The Australian National University report found the earth's ability to absorb carbon will decline as global warming increases, accelerating the rate of temperature change.

As global warming continues there is significant risk that the uptake of carbon by the oceans and terrestrial ecosystems will decline. Results being a greater proportion of each unit of emissions will stay in the atmosphere,the result a higher concentration of carbon and greater warming.

The author Mr Macintosh said "Decision makers often rely on data that doesn't account fully for information, so policy makers tend to overlook the importance of climate-carbon cycle feed back.It could result in abatement targets being set to low and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration objectives being exceeded".

It's believed that greater emission cuts are needed in an attempt to keep temperatures below 3 degrees. It's know many companies have refuted reports mainly due to the expense, or is it the bottom line? At the end of the day we need a country with a future for future generations, it's time for government to attain some vision.

The technology is available so why aren't Australia incorporating what's at hand in solar,wind,
wave power and geothermal while new technologys are researched and developed the excuse we hear time after time, "it's to expensive" is not an excuse at all!

Dumping Grounds

A community study in Esperance (28/6/08), has found lead levels in birds sampled to be the highest recorded anywhere in the world. One bird had 750mg per kilo of lead in it's feathers, a level described by co-author Dr Dunlop as "mineable grade" The alarming levels demonstrated that lead levels in the port town were remaining in the environment, and proving difficult to remove.

Exports of lead carbonate through the town's port were stopped in March last year,after the death of an estimated 4,000 birds linked to acute lead poisoning.

The community-based monitoring program collected feather samples from 50 birds to analyse for lead and nickel contamination, seven months after the export of lead ceased. The sampling showed the nickel on their feathers was 10 times that of background levels.

In 1993 The Esperance community was the first to establish A World's Best Practice dust free Port and were proud of their achievements. Since then, these benchmark environment standards for dust control have continually been eroded by both Liberal and Labor governments. With the advanced understanding of pollution, it's amazing they have permitted the continued decline in environmental standards and monitoring.

Fremantle will be exporting lead next, seeing as this government have given "Magellan" the green light. Just how well will the people be protected there, or are we to see Esperance all over again?

The next question will be once Fremantle Outer Harbour is complete, does that mean Kwinana will be next for lead export? Particularly as most things get dumped there even when communities say NO.

More stringent monitoring laws are needed, companies should have it in their licenses, they are to monitor for all toxic materials they emit.

Who's Accountable ?

It has been found WA's Freedom of Information laws are backward and deficient in the wake of a recent review. FOI experts warned that WA's accountability laws were lagging behind the rest of the country. The state has not had a substantive information commissioner appointed in four years.

The decision-making powers had been passed to the State Administrative Tribunal. The FOI regime should be based on the premise, that all information is public unless it is contrary to the public interest.

In WA amendments to the FOI Act were introduced into State Parliament a year ago with minimal public consultation (I wonder why), and no wide-ranging review of the 15-year-old Act. WA was described by a lecturer from Murdoch University, as lagging in the back water and is getting towards embarrassing.

So it appears if this Amendment Bill passes through the Upper House, the minister will succeed to undermine the capacity of the information commissioner model. Is Mr McGinty's aim to abolish in a bid to further downgrade the government's public accountability and openness?

The Green Clean Myth

Just an update :

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or (ACCC) have found that Water Corp misled the public in its advertising campaigns and online publishing.

The Corporation published claims that the Perth Desalination Plant was carbon neutral, and its total energy requirements were sourced from the Emu Downs Wind Farm near Cervantes, North of Perth.

The ACCC said the statements were misleading and has told Water Corp, not to make similar claims in the future.

It's believed that a public apology is owed, and it's necessary for the ACCC to review various documents and statements. The Water Corporation have said they will look into what needs to be done to comply with the ACCC's recommendations.

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Telling the truth to the public would be a good start, particularly as tax payers foot the bill for misleading ads!

No Validation

Over the last few weeks we have read claims that Kwinana Industry was Clean and Green now they've changed to, "Industry works hard to become Green and Clean". It's not in the nature of heavy industry to be clean or green.

Apart from the previous claims, it really irks us that in reports and their web site they continue to insist that noise from industry has reduced. It's obvious the people making this claim don't live in the effected areas. An associate was on the NRG or Noise Reference Group from start to finish, only two people within the NRG to my knowledge lived in effected areas and could speak for those regularly effected.

At the final meeting members were asked to validate the methodology which could not be disputed as all members had not claimed to be experts in this area. But when it came to acknowledging a reduction of noise, in all good conscience it could not be done by community members. Noise is a very complicated subject, one person obviously not living in an effected area accused community members of hearing frogs rather than industry noise.

Monitoring was carried out by what's known as The Barn Owl (no joke), to collect enough data it had to run for 12 hours. Due to weather conditions it ran for approximately 2 hours,which provided no where near enough information. The member from the DEC agreed there was not enough monitoring to validate the modelling report that suggested a noise reduction.

During the course of the NRG some companies had presented, by their own admission said noise at the boundary was well above the noise regulation limits. It baffles us how the claim of noise reduction can be made, when it's completely unfounded as the report was never validated.

Ongoing Question

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity also referred as MCS is also know as Chemical Injury, Chemical Sensitivity, Environment Illness and Multiple Allergy. In broad terms it means an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of pollutants including solvents, VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), petrol, smoke,"chemicals" in general and often encompasses problems with regard to pollen, dust, dander.


The possible list of symptoms of MCS is almost endless and varies from one patient to the next. It's a fact that there is no sharp demarcation between the symptoms of MCS and ME/CFIDS/CFS/PVFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis chronic fatigue)but most suffers can experience several of the of the following :


*Burning, stinging eyes *wheezing, breathlessness nausea *extreme fatigue/lethargy


*Headaches/migraines/vertigo/dizziness *poor memory & concentration *runny nose (rhinitis)

*sore throat, cough *Sinus problem *Skin rashes/or itchy skin *Sensitivity to light and noise

*Sleeping problems *Digestive upsets *Muscle and joint problems.


The population at large are often unaware of the invisible chemical or toxin they are exposed to. Surprisingly this one aspect of MCS that is very well known and understood in conventional medicine and it's call Sensitization.


Sensitization is a true allergic reaction to one chemical or irritant (even parts per million or ppb can cause extreme allergic reaction). However described an open minded and logical approach to the phenomenon and the sheer scale of numbers of sufferers reporting the same or very similar problems in a modern day setting, certainly is strongly suggestive of an underlying medical syndrome.


Isn't it time for our state government to carry out a proper, independant Health Study seeing as the above complaints plus kidney failure, asthma, and cancer can be added plus. Why aren't they prepared to prove to communities, just how safe it is to have industries so close to built up areas?

Government and Industry

The Climate Institute report on energy affordability and emissions trading released on Monday, found energy price rises could easily be offset through the auction of carbon permits, estimated to exceed one percent of GDP or approx $10 billion.

It's believed for most Australians, the affordability of energy is likely to improve in the long term.But with a high carbon price senario,and with oil prices continuing to rise there would be a deterioration in energy affordability in the short to medium term. Especially among low income families.

The Kyoto Protocol on climate change was passed when the new government came to power last November, and a Carbon trading scheme was to commence by 2010, to give business a financial incentive to cut pollution. Australia is responsible for about 1.2 percent of global carbon emissions, but remains one of the highest polluters per capita because of the nation's reliance on coal and other fossil fuels.

After reading this report it left me wondering, why the everyday person is the one to be hit in the hip pocket. What becomes clear is government and big business will come out as winners, industry pays for carbon credits purchased from government or other industries, their products increases in price and is passed onto the consumer.

Water, gas and electricity rise by 10 percent for the domestic consumer, yet industries increase on supply charge will be minimal . WA is already the highest tax paying state, we pay taxes on our taxes. One would think we had a well oiled state, instead of a Health system in crisis, an education system in tatters, lack of housing, police enforcement, water, domestic gas and power.

Why should WA tax-payers be paying indirectly for Apache pipeline costs??? They are a multinational who send their profits off shore. Just how many industries are the taxpayers paying for to operate in our state??

The introduction of a carbon price does not need to involve a social cost. Australia can make deep cuts in our greenhouse emissions without reducing our living standards.

Small Particulates and You

The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, some may even enter the blood stream.


Smaller particulates less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are even more deadly, as well as the above they have also been linked to stroke and blood clots. A recent study showed those exposed to fine particulates had a 70% increase in risk of dying from blood clots.

Exposure to such particles can effect your blood stream, lungs and heart. Particle pollution -especially fine particles-contain microscopic solids or liquid droplets, that are so small they get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Numerous scientific studies carried out by the US EPA have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems including, increased respiratory symptoms, irritation of the air-ways, difficulty in breathing; decreased lung function; aggravated asthma; development of chronic bronchitis; irregular heartbeat and premature death in people with heat or lung disease.


A study by the WA government DOH and DOE showed increased hospitalisation and morbitity in the young and elderly caused by particulate pollution.


So who shares our concerns, everything should be being done to keep workers and communities safe from pollution. Why have industries got licenses? We were under the misapprehension it was to stop the emission we are seing all to often.

Todays Kwinana Industry extraordinary emissions include:

Tiwest: Believed to be a white plume of Ticl4 from their emergency stack.

HiSmelt : Rustybrown & white.

CSBP: White cloud of ammonium nitate/ammonium chloride - it's not the time of year to snow.

Verve: Plume of grey particulates.

Honesty and Accountability

The premier has asked the people of WA to cut their power and gas usage to a bare minimum but to date the minister or DOIR have not been forth coming with a detailed account of what led to another crisis, so where is the accountability. In January '08 the gas problem experienced was described as a once in 25 year event, this is only June '08 that makes 6 months in my calculations so who's got it wrong. Obviously we have problems in safeguards and regulation of standards in the power industry.

So what actually caused the explosion at the Varanus Island gas plant, from pictures being circulated it looks as though it could have been lack of maintenance. How could any energy minister tell parliament, he did not know the details of recommendations made to Apache Energy about the way it was managed. He really knows how to make the people of this state feel safe, I don't think. How many other companies are being checked in the same way, when it's called the Boom just what sort of BOOM are they referring to?.

It was said back in 2003 there had been concerns about which department was responsible for monitoring the safety at some gas pipelines and plants. This government need to come clean and provide information in relation to the inspections (if any) and what check were made to ensure Apache complied.

The usual excuses have emerged, the department responsible had an exodus of staff and didn't have the resources to cover the "integrity issue" Heard it all before.

In regard to our concerned Mr Carpenter, he went on his walk about in Perth Wednesday handing out show bags containing environmentally friendly light bulbs. They are so friendly their contents being MERCURY, will enter the unlined tips, the soil and eventually our water table.

As for industry experiencing a gas crisis someone forgot to let them know in Kwinana, although presumably some are running on oil particularly from certain plumes . The noise is still above and beyond, along with the smell of rotten gas in the early hours changing to a strong chemical stench so bad it sends you inside. So if anyone is suffering from sore eyes, nose and throat, it's not the flu it's just industry, Still.

An Insight

Persistent Organic Pollutants or POP's are a chemical substance that persists in the environment,bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment.


"Chemicals now categorised as POP's were black- listed in all Western nations at least a decade ago. In Asia a combination of factors has resulted in the continued production, trade, use and release into the environment of most these chemicals"


POP chemicals are considered among the most dangerous of life threatening substances created by humans. All well know POP's are chlorinated compounds, these include: pesticides such as DDT, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene; industrial chemicals such as poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCB's); and unwanted industrial by-products dioxins and furans.


POP's build up through the food chain and can reach concentrations in wildlife and humans thousands of time higher in the surrounding AIR, WATER and SOIL. In most countries Corporations lack accountability in this area, the principal of polluter-pays were "unheard of concepts".

The International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) says the appropiate goal for an international treaty on POPs is the establishment of a systematic and sustained program of action, in which all countries participate to eliminate POPs and their significant sources.


It must not be defined as the better management of risks associated with POPs that's needed, they are a current source of significant injury to the biosphere-to humans and wildlife and to the entire ecosystem around the world.

For more on POP's see National Toxics Network

Truth Hurts

Dear Electric Customers

Just a little note to let you know, we understand your anger at the price of power and the unreliable supply.

But it should be noted that you have no choice.

We are a big company and you will pay what we tell you. You have no choice.

We have the power...... you need the power.

When we have a power failure we are sure to fix it, just before the time period before compensation can be claimed.

So sad, too bad,

Have a nice day and keep those checks coming in.


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Just an update on our environmental rainbow ..... Well we've had White-snow - CSBP, Black -NewGen, Rusty Brown - HiSmelt and now this afternoon a plume of Yellow, pretty but potentially deadly. Comliments of TiWest Then not so long ago, there was the H2S ( hydrogen sulphide) from NickelWest which is also deadly, again the question has to be asked:

"Just what is in the AIR we Breath????

It's still far from Green or Clean

Why won't government Act

We have friends that have been living near a cement factory for over 25 years. This 54 year old plant has tall chimneys which spew out hundreds of tons of contaminated dust into our atmosphere every year.

In September 2006, I read a most interesting and informative article by Peter Montague "The Environment Causes of Cancer" : why we can't prevent cancer" He spoke about increases in cancers, and one possible cause being our industrial environment. The increased exposure to more cancer causing agents such as toluene, xylene, benzene, and PAH's.

This lead to checking the Cockburn Cement LTD "annual Emissions List" these agents were all included. This plant also releases over 34 tons of hydrochloric acid, nearly 2 tons of cyanide, 9.9 tons of sulphuric acid and formaldehyde, plus many other nasties into our atmosphere.

Residents have complained about acrid burning odours and pollution plumes, which travel great distances north and north east of the plant. Why isn't World's Best Practice Technology being used instead of electronic precipitator systems. One new precipitator was installed rather than installing filtration systems, the community were told it was to expensive.

There are residents with heavy metals in their blood, some suffer respiratory problems, others experience red eyes, coughs and of course we have lost friends to cancer.

It's felt that government should demand that industries such as Cockburn Cement use the latest and safest technology, Government must set lower emissions levels. Cost to industry should not be a consideration where people's health is at risk. We have the facts-we need to work harder at prevention of this dreadful disease, cancer.

Food For Thought

Once again the minister has released a strategy on recycled water, spending $3 million to secure WA's water future. These strategies have been on going since 2005, when comments were called for in regard to drinking recycled sewage water.

Now it's being claimed this will be the first step towards co-ordinated, safe and efficient use of recycled water. The state's target is to recycling 30% of waste water by 2030, in a manner that is sustainable and supported by the community.

Communities had no problem with using recycled grey water on gardens or lawns , but a line was drawn in regard to drinking recycled sewage water. Recycled water is being used at the reclamation plant in Kwinana for industry, also in regional areas where it's used to irrigate sporting ovals. It's claimed with the average household, around 47 % of water use occurs outside the home, approximately 14% in the laundry and 12% in the toilet.

By the water Corp's own figures our rain fall has not altered since 1910, yet MR Kobelke keeps insinuating it has altered drastically and we have a declining rainfall.

Like most things Mr Kobelke our dams require maintenance, without the thinning of growth and burning off in the run off areas how do you expect rain to enter our dams?

In relation to Managed Aquifer Recharge or MAR as it was known, many studies came to light and the research had been considerable from other countries. A Response has been neg liable from this government as to how you propose to remove Pathogens or Microbes, or what effects the sewage would have on the biota.

Research went to show how MAR was fine in horticulture irrigation on condition that it was not used in over head irrigation.The crops would become contaminated the same as it has been found in China and other third world countries.

Health problems would have a potential impact related to contaminates in drinking water. Cryptosporidium parvum ia s pathogen found in human fecal waste. Cryptosporidium is very resistant to disinfection, and even well operated water treatment systems can't ensure that the drinking water will be completely free of this parasite.

Before the government come out with their feel good parade and excuse for spending tax money , do the research and know what your asking the people to do. Tell the truth about our water situation, that hasn't stopped you bringing in thousands of 457's and immigrants.

Does this government even know what the word sustainability means?

On a lighter note " Women Drivers"

On a busy motorway I looked over to my left and there was a women in a brand new Cadillac doing 65mph, with her face up next to her rear view mirror putting on her eyeliner.

I looked away for a couple of seconds and when I looked back , she was half way over in my lane

still working on that makeup.

As a man I don't scare easily, but crikey she scared me so much; I dropped my electric shaver, which knocked the donut out of my other hand.

In all the confusion of trying to straighten out the car, using my knees against the steering wheel , it knocked my cell phone away from my ear. It fell into the coffee between my legs, splashed and burned Big Jim and the Twins, ruined the damn phone, soaked my trousers and disconnected an important call.

Damn Women Drivers.

Where to dump now ?

Just what sort of system do WA have when it comes to TOXIC WASTE, how do the government keep track in particularly, what's being stored and where? Do they have a Toxic Inventory, if so why isn't the necessary data available to the EPA as to what exactly was stored at Brookdale. Why hasn't it been cleaned up long before now..?


The inventory should have consisted of analysis, tables, charts, maps etc. A database containing detailed information on all industrial chemical waste, and what has been managed through disposal or other releases.

How could any responsible government consider placing an Eco-friendly residential development for 40,000 people less than 1 km away from a Noxious Chemicals, Sludge and Pathogens site? To date the DEC have spent $1.2 million just on site investigations at Brookdale, yet are still unable to detail the extent of the contamination.

The question remains, just how many waste sites already have homes, schools or parks constructed on them ? There is of course the NPI but they are only as good as the information they receive, it has been shown in the past that figures can be fudged. Where is the waste being stored now, it has to be going somewhere.

Sewage sludge provided to farmers free in 2005 revealed the lime treatment at the Brookdale facility failed, providing dangerously high pathogen levels. The FOI documents also revealed some unusual deliveries such as a tree oozing mercury.

The chemicals detected were known to cause a range of illnesses from cancer, liver and kidney problems.Why has it taken nearly 5 years to get no where, the then environmental minister that in his wisdom removed the CCC before they completed their project on waste sites.He also found it no longer necessary to monitor for lead, he may have thought he had all the answers. . so why not share them with the rest of the state? Esperance was a classic it's still on going, just who was being protected?