Local environmental group Future Sooner will conduct a Citizens Inquiry on Sunday, August 25, to listen to residents about the impact on their health from pollution related to coal-fired power stations and ash dams.
Future Sooner has assembled a panel of eight of Australia’s leading doctors, professors, academics and health experts to look specifically into the health impacts from Vales Point and Eraring power stations.
“Future Sooner has collected a substantial body of evidence that indicates a strong causal link between coal pollution and many health conditions including cancers and respiratory disease,” Panel Chair Dr Ian Charlton said.
“Many residents of the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie may not even realise their health conditions are related to air pollution from Vales Point or Eraring power stations and their ash dumps.
The Citizens Inquiry is an opportunity for the people to speak up about their, and their families’, health concerns.”
Honorary Professor and former Dean of the Macquarie School of Law at Macquarie University Gill Boehringer has had decades on global and national tribunals and inquiries.
“The role of a Citizens Inquiry is to deal with serious issues, mainly the violation of human rights and environmental rights,” he said.
“Citizens Inquiries have the capacity to make governments and industries take action.”
Also on the panel will be: a retired GP specialising in acute and chronic issues Dr Merlene Thrift; Associate Professor Ian Wright of the University of Western Sydney; a senior consulting engineer at Newcastle University DrThomas Bunn; a GP with a PhD in epidemiology Dr Ben Ewald; a retired doctor with a PhD in sociology and a full-time environmental activist Associate Professor Ian Sinclair; and Energy Transition Campaigner for Healthy Futures Bronwyn McDonald.
The panel’s report will be handed to the NSW Government, the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, the United Nations and the World Health Organisation.
The Citizens Inquiry will be held from 1pm-5pm on Sunday, August 25, at Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi.
Those unable to attend can email submissions at: futuresoonernsw@gmail.com