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Liberals Support Silent Vigil Against Toxic WasteThe Liberal Party supported the silent vigil held on the steps of Parliament House yesterday that represented the future job losses in Hattah-Nowingi at the hands of the Bracks Government. By Philip Davis - 9th September 2005 - Back to News Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said the vigil, which included Liberal Members of Parliament, symbolised the jobs that would be lost in the Sunraysia region if the Bracks Government went ahead with plans to build a toxic dump.
Mr Davis said stakeholders in Mildura were last week presented with a draft report by consultant Dr David McKinna, which will form part of the Bracks Government’s Environmental Effects Statement on the toxic dump there.
"This report revealed that if the Bracks Government persists with creating a site to dump all of Victoria’s toxic waste at Hattah-Nowingi, at least 232 jobs would be cut," he said.
"In addition, this would cost more than $40.4 million per year in losses to the region’s tourism and agricultural production.
"Dr McKinna’s report also predicted a further $17 million per year reduction in value of the region.
"On top of the economic impact this dump will have on the community, there is also serious threat of environmental damage.
"As a result of the Bracks Government’s toxic dump, the Sunraysia region will lose its green reputation."
Mr Davis said that the Bracks Government is ignoring the scientific evidence that highlights the unique and valuable nature of the site it plans to fill with toxic waste.
Mr Davis yesterday questioned Labor’s Minister for Major Projects John Lenders as to why the Bracks Government continues to ignore environmental warnings of threat to four types of birds of national significance, four types of birds and lizards of state significance, along with three rare and two vulnerable plant species that are present in the area.
"The Liberal Party will continue to support the Save the Food Bowl Alliance in its campaign against the Bracks Government’s plans to dump the state’s toxic waste at Hattah-Nowingi," Mr Davis said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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