NSW Hunter Valley coal mine pollution: doctors call on Ministers to visit and clear the air

5 Sep 2018
Climate Change Coal News
Dr John VanDerKallen

Thirty NSW Hunter Valley doctors, including members of DEA, are among 100 people who have signed a joint letter to the NSW Ministers for Health and the Environment, asking them to visit the region and experience for themselves the poor air quality caused by the coal mining industry which is putting the community at risk. Read more—>

The letter to the Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton and the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard also calls for action to make the coal mining industry pay for the damage caused by its air pollution.

Data from the state’s Environment Protection Authority records more than 80 breaches of the daily average pollution level in the Hunter Valley this year.

Doctors for the Environment Australia spokesperson John Van Der Kallen said in a statement released today, “The Hunter doesn’t even have basic measures like keeping mines a minimum distance from residential areas.

"New action from NSW government to clear the air and make the mining industry pay for the cost of pollution has stalled, but mining continues to expand close to villages, towns and schools. It’s got to stop.”

Here are links to stories in the Newcastle Herald, the ABC as well as the media release by Lock The Gate Alliance:

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/darwin/programs/pm/hunter-valley-residents-call-for-action-on-air-pollution/10200962

https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5627431/hunter-doctors-write-to-government-demanding-action-on-coal-pollution/?cs=7573

http://www.lockthegate.org.au/doctors_concern_coal_mine_air_pollution