Thursday, 15 August 2024
Under questioning in both houses of the NSW Parliament, the Premier and Minister for the Environment could not provide clear answers and assurances regarding potential Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination in the Belubula River.
Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke says the discovery of potentially dangerous levels of PFAS in a river vital to local communities and agricultural activities is distressing and unacceptable.
“The fact that the Premier and his Environment Minister were unaware of this serious issue raises significant questions about their commitment to protecting the health of our communities, our rivers and our environment,” said Ms Cooke.
“It is most concerning that the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) collected samples from the Belubula River in July to assess the extent of PFAS contamination. However, it is now mid-August, and the full results of these tests have yet to be released. This delay is unacceptable.
“The NSW Government’s lack of transparency and action is unacceptable. The people of NSW, particularly those in rural and regional areas who rely on these waterways for their livelihoods, deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritises their health and safety over bureaucratic delays and excuses,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Cooke has spoken directly with affected landowners and shares their deep concerns about the potential PFAS contamination in the Belubula River.
“These landowners, who rely on the river for their livelihoods, have expressed their fears about the long-term impact on their health, agricultural activities, and the environment. Their voices must be heard, and their concerns addressed with the urgency and transparency they deserve,” Ms Cooke said.
Shadow Minister for the Environment James Griffin said the Premier and Minister must address this issue urgently.
“The Premier and Minister need to support the EPA, not stand in the way of them doing their important work,” Mr Griffin said.
“There should be no delay in getting to the bottom of this potential environmental and health catastrophe.”
The people of NSW have a right to clean water and a safe environment. The Government’s inability to provide the necessary details or assurances is a clear failure of their duty to protect our communities. It is time for real leadership and decisive action.