Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

ABOVE GROUND DUMPING UNPROVEN AND RISKY

News Release - Monday, 26 March 2001

The Victorian Opposition has branded moves by the Bracks Labor government to establish above-ground toxic waste storage dumps in Victoria as premature and potentially dangerous.

"The State Opposition has grave concerns about Labor's decision to establish untested and potentially dangerous above-ground toxic waste dumps," the Shadow Minister for Planning and Major Projects, Robert Clark, said.

"The Labor Party foolishly committed itself to a policy supporting above-ground toxic waste dumps without finding out whether safe and effective technology exists anywhere in the world to model these on.”

Mr Clark said an above-ground toxic waste storage and treatment facility in Bellevue, Western Australia recently exploded, sending out toxic fumes and forcing the evacuation of nearby residents.

"We don't want a repeat of this kind of environmental disaster here in Victoria.”

Mr Clark said the Opposition had refused to join a recently formed committee to identify new dumping sites around Victoria.

Major Projects Minister John Pandazopoulos invited the Opposition to nominate a Liberal MP to sit on the Hazardous Waste Siting Advisory Committee - the main role of which is to advise Government on the siting of new toxic waste facilities.

"We will not join in on Labor's plans to site and build these toxic waste dumps in suburbs and towns across Victoria until safety and environmental impact issues have been fully addressed. Otherwise we could end up with a series of mini toxic time bombs around the State.

Despite recommending the building of above ground facilities, in line with Labor policy, the Hazardous Waste Consultative Committee's recent report to the Government stressed there were no known precedents for this type of facility, and emphasised the need to ensure the acceptability, practicability, efficiency and cost effectiveness of such facilities.

"The Opposition refuses to be a part of this irresponsible Bracks Government move to establish potential time bombs untested for negative impacts.

"The government needs to fully investigate and resolve the feasibility and safety of above-ground facilities before it starts establishing those facilities. It should also continue efforts to identify, develop and support safe, environmentally friendly technology for waste remediation and recycling."