Future Sooner is set to hold a Citizens Inquiry to find out why so many people on the Central Coast have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses in numbers that are way above the national average.
“We have the evidence that proves that the closer you live to a coal-fired power station, like Vales Point or Eraring and their ash dams, the more likely you are to have chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, even cancers and learning disabilities,” spokesperson Gary Blaschke said.
“Are you, your family, or neighbours among the 16.9 per cent of people on the Central Coast suffering with three or more chronic health diseases?
“Does your child have asthma?
“Do you have a family member with cancer?
“If so, we need you to tell your story at our Citizens Inquiry.
“I’ve been diagnosed with three cancers.
“I was a surfer, never smoked or drank but I live close to a power station and its ash dam.
“Where do you live?”
Blaschke said the group had presented evidence that has never been challenged to the United Nations, the EPA, MPs and NSW and Regional Health units.
“What has our government done?
“Told us that they have only been in power a year and are now very busy with elections.
“The Australian Cancer Atlas2 alone shows the Central Coast has incidents of cancers way above the rest of the country.
“Budgewoi has lung cancer at 109 per cent above the national average.
“Our Citizens Inquiry will take a blow torch to the decades of successive government neglect and cover up of the damage done to the health of Central Coast residents from coal-fired power stations.”
Blaschke said it was essential to gather real-life accounts from everyone living on the Central Coast and at Lake Macquarie suffering from a life-threatening health problem.
“Be part of the Citizens Inquiry, tell your story, appear at the Inquiry in person, email your submission,” he said.
“We can also video you anonymously.
“With your stories and our facts, we can make the NSW government take action.”
The Citizens Inquiry will be held from 1-5pm on Sunday, August 25, at Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi.
Submissions can be sent to futuresoonernsw@gmail.com