Health issues from coal-fired power stations?
Peninsula folks may not know it but air they breathe is polluted from the coal-fired power stations at Lake Macquarie.
The noxious gases and particulate matter from the Erarang and Vales Point stations is blown south as far as the Sydney basin, according to Future Sooner, an environmental defenders' group.
Data gathered from research by doctors and other members of Future Sooner indicate that cancer rates are generally higher on the Central Coast than the state's average, and in some local areas higher than industrial areas in Sydney.
Asthma causing hospitalization, especially in children, is also a serious concern here.
The group will hold a Citizen's Inquiry at the Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi, at 1pm on Sunday, August 25.
The aim of the group is to hear stories from Central Coast residents about health issues they have suffered such as cancer, asthma and other respiratory illness, or other health problems associated with pollution from coal-fired power stations.
Along with this information and the scientific, legal and other research they have done, the group will make recommendations to the government about how to deal with these health issues and the environmental damage being done, especially from air pollution, but also from coal-ash dams that leach chemicals into the ground water and lakes.
If you would like to tell your story, you can do so in person or by a written submission: futuresoonernsw@ gmail.com.
For more information ring 0424 890 455 or email Future Sooner local member: gill_boehringer@hotmail.com.
SOURCE:
Email, 15 Aug 2024
Gill Boehringer, Woy Woy