I am very concerned about Tara resident’s health issues, told to me on
my recent tour of the gas fields in Queensland. I contacted Queensland Health
and to date have not had what I call a satisfactory response to my emails. More
questions need to be asked on this issue by everyone, not just people in
Queensland.
I have since heard that 20 residents aged 3-78 living in Cawder, Spring
Farm and Rosemeadow in south west Sydney are suffering similar problems to the
people in Tara. A recent survey of these people, living less than one kilometre
from AGL producing gas wells, reveals children with nose bleeds and both adults
and children with headaches, eye irritations, itchy throats, hay fever and
asthma symptoms. Sound familiar! All this in Sydney in an area forecasted to
have an increase in population!
The following is a response to my questions from a spokesperson for the
Queensland Department of Health:
‘There are long-standing complaints from some Tara region residents
that coal seam gas (CSG) development has affected their health. All complaints
received by the Queensland Health have been followed up.’
‘Medical and scientific officers from the Health Protection Unit,
Department of Health, compiled the Coal seam gas in the Tara region: summary
risk assessment of health complaints and environmental monitoring data report http://www.health.qld.gov.au/research-reports/reports/environmental-health/default.asp
following concerns raised by local residents.’
‘The report found that from the environmental monitoring data available
on air, water and soil quality, no association can be drawn between CSG
emissions and adverse health effects.’
‘Any persons concerned about their health are encouraged to contact
their respective medical professional or 13HEALTH.’
‘The approval for CSG exploration and mining is not the responsibility
of the Department of Health.’
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