MEDIA RELEASE

CICCC Update—11 May 2000 Meeting

Some community representatives on the Coode Island Community Consultative Committee have expressed serious concerns about Terminal’s preference to use combustion technology to treat chemical vapour emissions from their proposed upgrade.

The proposal, part of Terminals plans to upgrade the facility, was discussed at the Committee’s meeting on May 11. Members of the Committee expressed a range of views, from a fundamental rejection of this type of technology to a recognition of the potential benefits over other methods considered.

Community representative Ian Thomas, who requested the matter be included on the agenda, expressed his concerns about safety and the acceptability of incinerators by the broader community. Other community representatives Frank Fichera, Faye Simpson, Deborah McFarlane and Ted Towson also contributed to a vigorous discussion on the issue.

Combined Environment Group representative Peter Brotherton said: “Residents have rejected incinerators in the past and any such option can be expected to cause strong community reaction.”

Terminals and their consultants presented a series of options on vapour emission control systems and explained there would be an emphasis on waste minimisation.

An additional Committee meeting will be held on Monday, May 29, when it is anticipated Terminals will respond to the concerns raised. The EPA will also provide preliminary views on the proposals. Communication with the community has been included on the agenda.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting at the Maribyrnong Town Hall on the corner of Hyde and Napier Streets, Footscray at 6.30pm.

Robin Saunders, Chair CICCC, 15 May, 2000