Anglesea Air Action
The state government and Alcoa are currently in negotiation over the renewal of Alcoa's mining lease which expires at the end of 2011, for a further 50 years. Anglesea Air Action is a newly formed group of Anglesea residents and supporters which is backed by the SCEG
On Easter Saturday, 130 Anglesea residents and visitors turned up to support the Anglesea Air Action group in publicly voicing their concerns over the future of the Alcoa Anglesea mine. Three speakers addressed the crowd highlighting the groups three key concerns; the health effects of living so close to a coal mine, the potential for change to renewable energy away from polluting coal and the value of the unique biodiversity of the Anglesea heath, potentially under threat with the proposed mine expansion.
More information and a petition can be found at www.angleseaairaction.org or by contacting Sonia on 0425 748 846.
Anglesea Air Action is calling for:
An inquiry into the health concerns of Anglesea residents
Dr Merryn Redenbach of Doctors for the Environment Australia says "Coal dust around mines contains toxic compounds including lead, mercury, arsenic and uranium. Coal combustion creates particulates which are inhaled, causing lung damage.”
The Federal Senate Committee is currently investigating any adverse health effects for people living in close proximity to wind farms. Anglesea Air Action says that since the majority of Anglesea residents live within 2km of the Anglesea coal mine, locals also have the right to an inquiry into the known adverse health effects for people living in close proximity to coal mines. 1
A shorter 'transitional' lease period
Caroline Hawkins from the Surf Coast Energy Group says “We understand time is needed to transition to alternatives. However given the uncertain future of brown coal in an increasingly carbon constrained world, it's irresponsible for the Government to be considering renewing the lease for a further 50 years.”
An environmental impact statement on the mine's potential expansion into sensitive heathland as a condition of the lease renewal
The Anglesea Heath is claimed as the richest and most diverse vegetation community in Victoria and is listed with the Australian Heritage Commission's register of the National Estate. The Alcoa lease land is surrounded by this environmentally sensitive heathland and forms part of the Otways National Park. The group believes before any disruption to the area goes ahead, there should be a thorough investigation into the potential effect on the region.
Show your support by sending your letters to local and state media and to your MP.
SCEG's Contact your MP page has a list to help with this.