With the announcement of new ministers for the Environment and Roads, Maritime and Freight, Member for Balmain Jamie Parker has called on the new ministers to act on two urgent community issues.
Mr Parker said:
“I am seeking urgent meetings with the new Ministers for the Environment and Roads, Maritime and Freight. We need Minister Upton to secure the future of Callan Park, and Minister Pavey to install shore to ship power at the White Bay cruise ship terminal.
If the Premier is serious about renewal and effective government, her new Ministers need to fix these longstanding problems.
“The Baird cabinet acted too little, too late on vital issues such as the appalling air pollution at the White Bay cruise terminal. They also failed to secure the future of Callan Park. While there has been some progress, the community needs to see the government resolve these pressing matters.
Our community showed their depth of feeling about the pollution at White Bay this month, with over 300 people signing our submission on the EPA’s Clean Air for NSW paper.
The EPA’s paper, which sets out the clean air strategy of the government, fails to address the significant levels of toxic pollution emitted by cruise vessels at White Bay. Residents of the area are experiencing health issues including breathing difficulties and asthma. This can only be addressed by installing shore to ship power on the site.
The previous administration also failed to make a final decision on Callan Park. Only many years of community vigilance and action has prevented this wonderful parkland being carved up and sold off.
The new Premier must make it an early priority to implement the award winning Callan Park Master Plan so that Callan Park can be preserved as a place for recreation, wellness and learning."
