Praise but no support

The NSW Legislative Council (upper house) has praised Future Sooner for its ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the health impacts facing Central Coast and Lake Macquarie residents from pollution coming out of coal-fired power stations and the urgent need to transition to a clean energy future.

26 June 2024

 

FUTURE SOONER COMMUNITY GROUP spokesperson Gary Blaschke said that Greens MLC, Abigail Boyd put forward a motion in the upper house, which fully endorsed fully the Group for its commitment and dedication to ongoing awareness of the adverse impacts of coal dust pollution.

 

“Future Sooner appreciates the Notice of Motion," said Gary Blaschke.

 

“This proves that the Minns Government, the Opposition and the cross-bench acknowledge that the pollution from coal-fired power stations and their ash dams is linked to the chronic health conditions facing residents on the Central Coast and at Lake Macquarie.

 

“It also reinforces NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park’s letter conceding that coal-fired power stations are linked to increased hospitalisations and deaths.

 

“What is perplexing is that after all this, and a United Nations interim report, the government is doing nothing to protect the health of the residents living on the Central Coast and at Lake Macquarie.

 

“This is why we’re holding a Citizens Inquiry on Sunday 25 August at the Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi. It will follow the parliament’s many recommendations from its own inquiry that have not been completed and focus on the health impacts of the contamination and pollution coming from coal-fired power stations and their ash dams.

 

“We have the evidence that the closer you live to a coal-fired power station the more likely you are to suffer from chronic respiratory diseases and cancers.

 

“However, stories and the testimony from the people who are suffering from these chronic diseases will have the most power to effect change from the government.

 

“This is why we’re asking people to come forward and tell their stories. Stories to the Inquiry can be in person on the day as well as by written submission."

 

For those families who may have members working at the power stations and who have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) Future Sooner will guarantee their anonymity.

 

“With Vales Point and its exemption to pollute over emission standards, and now Eraring staying open longer, pumping out even more pollution, more people will get sick," Gary Blaschke said.

 

Power plants that burn coal, along with oil and gas, are the largest source of carbon pollution, and the biggest driver of climate change.

 

The impact of airborne pollution from coal-fired powers stations includes mercury, lead, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and various other heavy metals being spurred into the air. Health impacts can range from asthma and breathing difficulties, to brain damage, heart problems, cancer, neurological disorders, and premature death.

 

The effects of coal ash on humans is no better! Coal ash is incredibly dangerous and even short-term exposure can bring irritation of the nose and throat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure can lead to liver damage, kidney damage, cardiac arrhythmia, and a variety of cancers.

 

“The parliament was unanimous in backing our work. Now we’re asking residents to back us and pressure the government to take the action needed to protect their health,” said Gary Blaschke.

 

Citizens Inquiry:

 

Sunday 25 August 2024, 1pm-5pm, at Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi

 

What is the Citizens Inquiry? Local Central Coast Community group, Future Sooner, is conducting a Citizens Inquiry to listen to residents whose health has been directly impacted by contamination from heavy metals, small air-born particles, and the pollution of our lake systems from coal-fired power stations and their ash dams.

 

The panellists conducting the Inquiry are local Professors, Doctors and Health Professionals. They will listen and report back on the stories that residents present on the day and or submit in writing. Submissions and stories can be made anonymously. Submissions can also be emailed to:  futuresoonernsw@gmail.com and will be passed on to the Panel. The Panel Report will be sent to the World Health Authority and it will be used as further evidence to pressure the government and local politicians to take action to reduce pollution and protect public health.

 

Your Story is powerful. If you, a loved one, neighbour or friend, has been diagnosed with a cancer or chronic health problems, tell us your story in your own words. Your words are powerful. They will help drive change and help make our government take action to protect you and your community from life-threatening illnesses.

 

For support making a submission or to find out more, call 0424 890 455 or email Future Sooner for further information.

 

What happens to my information? Anything you share will be held by Future Sooner and to the Inquiry panelists. The final report will be shared with media and politicians. You can indicate if you want to be anonymous, or what information you are comfortable sharing. Your privacy will be protected.